Artificial meat is getting closer. Now chicken can be made from peas

Development of technologies for creating artificialMeat today is a very promising area. Companies operating in this area are already increasing production, and some of the products can even be tried. In this case, as a rule, when we talk about artificial meat, then we are talking mainly about burgers and steaks. But what about chicken? Do not worry, and this type of meat will soon be indistinguishable from the present thanks to the company Planted, which creates an “imitation” of chicken meat from peas.

What make artificial chicken

The assurances of a company based in SwitzerlandPlanted, for the production of artificial chicken meat they use only pea protein, pea fiber, sunflower oil and a number of additives to impart flavor. From the protein and oil is formed something like a "test", which can be given any shape. After that, in a special machine, similar to a hybrid press and a 3D printer, the structure of meat, similar in structure to chicken breast, is formed from dough (with the addition of fiber). After that, it only remains to add flavor enhancers. The production technology itself is not unique. Much more interesting is how it was developed.

See also: How we tried artificial meat.

How came up with artificial chicken meat

The technology was based on studying mucus.primitive fish-like creatures called mixin. They live in the waters of the oceans in the tropical and subtropical zones and are similar in appearance to worms (although they are not). They emit a special mucus, which interested researchers.

"Natural hydrogel secreted by crustaceansgreatly helped our understanding of meat-like structures and how they can be imitated and ultimately even improved, ”said Planted co-founder Pascal Bieri.

The fact is that the mucus of marine crustaceansin fact, it resembles “liquid meat” in structure. It was necessary to find a way to "thicken" this mucus. After that, scientists had the technology to recreate the meat-like structure. And since the basis of mucus is protein, it was decided to take a cheap, but protein-rich plant to create artificial chicken meat. The choice fell on peas.

"We have invested a lot of effort and money in our product to make it very close in taste and appearance to the chicken."

When and where can I buy artificial meat?

Currently a chicken substitute from Plantedis available only in a few restaurants in Switzerland, but the company is already increasing production rates and plans to open its outlets in Zurich and Bern early next year, so if in 2020 you are in these parts, you should ask local people where you can taste artificial chicken . Well, then share your impressions in our chat in Telegram.