The development of technologies for creating artificial meat is a very promising area today. Companies working in this area are already ramping up production, and some of the products can even be tried. At the same time, as a rule, when we talk about artificial meat, we are talking mainly about burgers and steaks. But what about chicken? Don't worry, this type of meat will soon be indistinguishable from the real one thanks to the Planted company, which creates "imitation" of chicken meat from peas.
What is fake chicken made of?
Switzerland-based Planted says they only use pea protein, pea fiber, sunflower oil and a range of flavoring additives to produce artificial chicken meat. Protein and oil form something like a "dough", which can be given any shape. After that, in a special machine, similar to a hybrid of a press and a 3D printer, a meat structure is formed from the dough (with the addition of fiber), similar in structure to a chicken breast. After that, it remains to add only flavor enhancers. The production technology itself is not unique. Much more interesting is how it was developed.
How artificial chicken was invented
The technology was based on the study of the mucus of primitive fish-like creatures called myxine. They live in the waters of the oceans in the tropical and subtropical zones and in appearance they look like worms (although they are not). They secrete a special mucus, which interested the researchers.
Promotional video:
The fact is that the mucus of marine crustaceans in fact resembles "liquid meat" in structure. It was necessary to find a way to "thicken" this slime. After that, scientists had the technology to recreate the meat-like structure. And since protein is the basis of mucus, it was decided to take a cheap, but protein-rich plant to create artificial chicken meat. The choice fell on peas.
When and where can you buy artificial meat?
Planted's chicken substitute is currently only available in a handful of restaurants in Switzerland, but the company is already ramping up production and plans to open points of sale in Zurich and Bern early next year, so if you're in these parts in 2020, be sure to ask the locals. residents where you can taste fake chicken.
Vladimir Kuznetsov