BTÜ findiq pulpasini qo'shimcha qiymatli mahsulotga aylantiradi

Bursa Technical University is undertaking an important project to utilize the waste remaining in hazelnut oil production. The university's goal is to obtain high value-added vegetable protein from hazelnut pulp. This study was designed to both reduce food waste and contribute to sustainable food production.

Details and Goals of the Project

The project titled "Modification of Hazelnut Pulp Proteins with Ohmic Assisted Heating and Investigation of Structural-Functional Properties" carried out at Bursa Technical University was carried out by Food Engineering Department Faculty Member Assoc. Dr. It is managed by Furkan Türker Sarıcaoğlu. This project is supported within the scope of the Rapid Support Program and Şükran Aşgın Uzun also takes part in the project as a Scholar. The pulp produced in hazelnut oil production is generally used in low-value areas. However, it is stated that these pulps contain high protein and can be used in the food industry.

Ohmic Assisted Heating Technology

The main focus of the project is to apply various processes to use the proteins obtained from hazelnut pulp more effectively in food products. In this context, "ohmic assisted heating" technology will be used. Dots. Dr. Sarıcaoğlu, bu teknoloji sayesinde proteinlerin yapısını daha kontrollü bir şekilde değiştirebileceklerini ifade etti. With this method, it is aimed to increase the solubility, mixture formation capacity and product structure improvement properties of plant proteins.

Economic and Environmental Gains

With the completion of the project, it will be possible to utilize the by-products resulting from the hazelnut processing processes more effectively. In this way, food waste will decrease and the contribution of hazelnuts, one of Türkiye's important agricultural products, to the economy will increase. The results are expected to contribute to the development of plant-based food products and alternative protein sources.

University Management and Support

BTU Rector Prof. Dr. Naci Çağlarstated that the university supports projects focused on sustainability and value-added production. Prof. Dr. Çağlar said, "Bringing the by-products resulting from agricultural production processes into the economy is of great environmental and economic importance." Stating that academics transform waste products into high-value food components with such projects, Çağlar emphasized that he believes that the work will make significant contributions to the food industry and our country's sustainable development goals.