Protein enrichment of defatted salicornia meal by air classification

Salicornia bigelovii Torr. is a leafless, annual salt-marsh plant. Previous investigators reported that the seed contained 26 to 33% oil, 30 to 33% protein, 5 to 7% fiber, and 5 to 7% ash. Hexane-defatted salicornia meal was ground in a pin mill and separated by air classification into various fractions by particle size. The fine fractions were enriched in protein. The degree of protein enrichment and yield of fine fractions depended on the intensity of grinding. More intense grinding resulted in a higher yield of fine fractions with a smaller increase in protein content compared with less intensive grinding. The amino acid composition and proximate composition of the air-classified fractions are compared with the starting material.