Scientists have developed a new type of hybrid food called “meaty” rice, which could provide an affordable and eco-friendly source of protein. The rice grains are porous and filled with beef muscle and fat cells that have been grown in a lab. The grains are coated in fish gelatine to help the beef cells attach, and then left in a petri dish to culture for up to 11 days. The researchers believe that this food could be used in situations such as famine relief, military rations, or even as space food. However, it remains to be seen whether consumers would accept it on the market.
The hybrid rice is slightly firmer and more brittle than regular rice, but it contains more protein. According to the team at Yonsei University in South Korea, it has 8% more protein and 7% more fat than regular rice. Additionally, compared to traditional beef, the hybrid rice has a smaller carbon footprint because it does not require the raising and farming of animals. For every 100g of protein produced, the hybrid rice releases under 6.27kg of carbon dioxide, while beef production releases 49.89kg.
The researchers believe that this new type of hybrid food could help address the environmental and resource concerns associated with livestock production. Sohyeon Park, one of the researchers, said that obtaining protein from livestock consumes a lot of resources, water, and releases a significant amount of greenhouse gases. She sees the hybrid rice as a way to obtain all the necessary nutrients from cell-cultured protein rice.
This is not the first time that lab-grown or cultivated meat products have been explored. Many companies around the world are working to bring affordable cultivated meat to the market. Singapore recently started selling the world’s first cultivated chicken product, and Italy has backed a bill to ban laboratory-produced meat in order to protect the country’s food traditions.
While this research shows promise for the development of healthier and more climate-friendly diets, there are still questions about public acceptance of lab-grown foods. Some experts believe that lab-grown meats could be used to replace processed meats rather than prime cuts. Bridget Benelam from the British Nutrition Foundation acknowledges the innovative approach of this study but notes that further work would be needed if this technology were to be used as an alternative protein source to traditional animal products.
More articles for you:
Experts urge for clear labelling on ultra-processed foods to promote healthier choices.
Masterchef Judge’s Off-Duty Routine Goes Viral
University Student Tracks Private Planes of the Rich and Powerful
How British Vogue Managed to Get 40 Famous Women on One Cover
Setting Sail: The World’s Largest Cruise Ship
Unexpected Discovery: Universe Younger Than Expected