In South Korea, researchers from Yonsei University have created a new protein-rich food in the lab that tastes like meat. This product, known as “beef rice,” is made from bovine cells and has a pink color. The researchers grew real beef cells inside grains of rice to create this unique dish.
Professor Jinkee Hong believes that rice is an ideal culture medium for animal cells, making it the first time animal cells have been cultured inside a grain of rice. The development of beef rice could potentially replace traditional meat production and offer a more sustainable alternative.
This new product 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.
The development of beef rice could also appeal to consumers looking for alternative protein sources. This innovative food product showcases the potential for laboratory-grown foods to revolutionize the way we think about meat production and consumption.