According to the Israeli seed tech company, the Product Profiler app ‘opens the seed-to-fork dialogue’ with users looking to explore its ‘Smarter Seeds’ range.
The non-GMO portfolio is made up of two families of seeds: legume seeds with high protein concentration, and sesame seeds with more oil and better nutritional values.
This means that once users type their grain choice into the app, as well as their desired traits – covering nutritional profile, protein percentage, and composition of protein, fat, starch, and fibre – the app will suggest appropriate seed varieties.
Additional parameters such as anti-nutrient factors, protein functionality and solubility, as well as taste and texture, can also be applied.
“During development of new products with plant protein, food specialists – a food technologist or formulator, for example – can search for a seed with the composition of interest,” Equinom’s director of marketing, Itay Dana, told FoodNavigator.
“They can use a multi-trait questionnaire, where they can pick the total protein of interest, its inner composition and other elements that are critical for its development.”
The user can then upload a ‘wish list’ request, allowing access to data on seed compositions during different stages of development, from the breeding stage, to pre-commercial and commercial.
“Equinom can use the data and choose the optimum product to provide in the [relevant] time. It can help to create better-for-you products in a much shorter time [frame],” Dana continued.
“While breeding and seed companies market mainstream seeds to food companies that might not always meet specific needs in terms of different food applications, protein content, and more, the Product Profiler system opens new possibilities to feed consumers with better, more nutritious food.
“Customers get direct insight into the evolutionary course of the seeds. They are able to see, in real time, where each specific seed variety stands along the breeding chain, and when it will be available commercially” – Gil Shalev, CEO of Equinom
The app, which allows protein sources to be more accurately tailored to product specifications, is an industry first, we were told.
How does the app work?
- Choose your desired crop
- Give each product train a score, based on the needs defined by your application
- The Product Profiler will find the varieties that match your requirements
“This is a new concept that can be an innovation tool for improving the communication between [a] breeding company like Equinom and food companies seeking better, high value protein with great taste,” said Dana.
The app is available free-of-charge for use on smartphones, computers and tablets.
“We [are targeting] all food and ingredients companies that are using – or willing to use – plant protein or legumes in the formulations worldwide.”