In a groundbreaking development, South Korean researchers have successfully created a new protein-rich food in the lab that tastes like meat. Dubbed “beef rice,” this innovative product contains bovine cells and has a pinkish hue. The researchers grew real beef cells inside grains of rice to create this unique dish.
Professor Jinkee Hong from Yonsei University in Seoul believes that rice is an ideal culture medium for animal cells. This is the first time that animal cells have been cultured inside a grain of rice. The creation of beef rice could potentially replace traditional meat production and offer a more sustainable alternative.
Beef rice could become a competing option for beef, as it leaves a smaller carbon footprint than traditional beef products. While beef rice is not the first lab-developed food product containing “meat” cells, it offers a unique and potentially more environmentally friendly option for consumers looking to reduce their meat consumption.
In addition to its potential environmental benefits, beef rice could also appeal to consumers looking for alternative protein sources. The development of this innovative food product showcases the potential for laboratory-grown foods to revolutionize the way we think about meat production and consumption.
Overall, the creation of beef rice marks an exciting milestone in the world of lab-developed foods and could pave the way for more sustainable and eco-friendly meat alternatives in the future.