Giant Rat Tail Grass (Sporobolus pyramidalis) grain as a novel food for human consumption: an infrared study

Giant Rat Tail Grass (GRT) is an introduced pasture plant species to Australia. The low palatability of GRT to livestock and its high seed count and drought tolerance are contributing factors to define this species as invasive pest. An alternative use for the plant would potentially alleviate the requirement of landholders to engage methods of eradication. The aim of this study was to collect and analyse the infrared fingerprint of GRT grain to assess its nutritional suitability for human consumption. Whole grain samples of GRT (n = 10) and teff (n = 3), a staple African grain, were analysed using attenuated total reflectance mid infrared spectroscopy (ATR-MIR spectroscopy). The MIR absorbance values of protein, lipids, and starch of each GRT and teff samples were calculated and compared. The MIR results indicated that GRT seeds have comparable levels of protein, lipids, and starch comparable to other commercially available seeds such as teff. The MIR spectra of GRT seeds showed that they have potential nutritional value for human consumption; however, the concentration of protein, starch and lipids was not determined. Further research is required to quantify the levels of these nutrients and suitability of GRT seeds for human consumption.