Question

Which oilseed is a major source of protein isolate in the food industry?

• A. Mustard
• B. Soybean
• C. Coconut
• D. Palm

Hint:

Soy protein isolate (SPI) is the gold standard for plant-based proteins in the food industry because it contains over $90\%$ protein and has excellent gelation and emulsification properties.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks to identify which of the listed oilseeds is widely processed on an industrial scale to produce high-purity protein isolates for functional food applications.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

• Protein Isolates Definition: Protein isolates are highly refined protein powders containing at least $90\%$ protein on a dry weight basis. They are produced by removing lipids, soluble carbohydrates, and dietary fibers from defatted oilseed meal.

• Industrial Dominance of Soybean: Soybean (Glycine max) is unique because it is both a major oilseed and a rich source of high-quality protein (containing about $35\% - 40\%$ protein in the whole seed).

• Soy Protein Isolate (SPI) Utility: SPI has exceptional functional properties, including:

• Excellent emulsifying and water-binding capacity.

• Strong gelling properties.

• A complete essential amino acid profile (high PDCAAS score).

• These properties make it the preferred ingredient for meat analogues (plant-based meats), infant formulas, sports nutrition products, and dairy alternatives.

• Other Options: Mustard, coconut, and palm are harvested primarily for their lipid content, and their processed meals contain far lower protein levels with less desirable functional and sensory properties than soy.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Soybean is the primary oilseed used to manufacture food-grade protein isolates, making option (B) the correct choice.