South Korea scientists tout ‘beef rice’ as supply of protein for the long run

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SEOUL — South Korean researchers have grown beef cells in rice grains in what they are saying is a significant step towards attaining a sustainable, inexpensive and environmentally pleasant supply of protein that would change farmed cattle for meat.

Professor Jinkee Hong of Yonsei College in Seoul, who led the analysis revealed within the journal Matter this month, mentioned the “beef rice” is the primary product of its type. It makes use of grain particles as the bottom for cultivating animal muscle and fats cells.

Within the analysis, rice grains have been handled with enzymes to create an optimum atmosphere for cell development, then infused with bovine cells which are cultivated to attain the ultimate hybrid product, which resembles a pinkish grain of rice.

The Yonsei staff is just not the primary to work on lab-grown meat merchandise. Corporations world wide have launched cultivated meat; one of many newest entails plant-based hen and eel cultivated from a soy base, marketed in Singapore.

Hong’s staff mentioned rice has a bonus when it comes to security relative to soy or nuts as a result of fewer individuals are allergic to it.

“If efficiently developed into meals merchandise, cultured beef rice might function a sustainable protein supply, significantly in environments the place conventional livestock farming is impractical,” he mentioned.

The meat rice accommodates roughly 8% extra protein and seven% extra fats than typical rice. Hong famous the protein is eighteen% animal-based, making it a wealthy supply of important amino acids.

Priced at about $2 per 2.2 kilos, and with a much smaller carbon footprint than conventional beef merchandise, cultured beef rice might compete on grocery cabinets, Hong mentioned.

Hong mentioned challenges stay from a technical standpoint and when it comes to profitable over prospects with taste and texture.

Keum Dong-kyu, who not too long ago sampled the rice beef at a Korean barbecue restaurant in Seoul, mentioned the thought is modern.

“However truthfully, I do not suppose it could possibly replicate the juiciness or texture of actual beef,” Keum mentioned.

Christian Krammel, who’s visiting from Germany, was extra optimistic.

“Now, it doesn’t examine to beef but, however as I see the analysis is in early levels, I might say it is a good way ahead,” Krammel mentioned.

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