Israel’s Hebrew University & Volcani Institute Team Up to Prevent Looming Global Food Crisis:
(Jerusalem, August 23, 2022)-- Despite advances in increased food production, half of all world’s harvested food is lost due to שבrots caused by microorganisms. Plants emit various volatile organic compounds into their surrounding environment, which can be monitored for early detection of plant disease and prevent food loss.
Hummus – a world-famous mashed chickpea dish – is one of the most popular foods in Israel, and one whose true origins are hotly debated across the Middle East.
Prof. Ram Reifen, a Hebrew University Medical Faculty graduate, pediatrician and an expert in children’s nutrition and digestive diseases, has devoted more than 15 years of research to this field. He created ChickP, a powder comprised of 60% to 90% from which milk- and meat-substitutes will be manufactured, along with high-protein energy snacks, beverages and more. ChickP is also a safe and better alternative to soy protein – which contains phytoestrogens – and peas, both of which trigger allergic reactions in many people. Concentrated chickpea protein can actually lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
For his breakthrough, Reifen will receive, during the university’s board of governors meetings, a Kaye Innovation Award.
Prof. Ram Reifen, director of the research center for nutrigenomics and functional foods at the faculty’s School of Nutritional Sciences, has found a revolutionary new way to use these humble legumes that is likely to benefit the whole world.