Raphael Thys
Rice bowl masa44/iStock
Researchers in Beijing, China claim that they have developed a new kind of food: a nutrition-rich rice embedded with meat.
Basically, they have developed a way to grow meat cells directly on rice grains.
Regular meat production is a big strain on our planet. It uses a lot of land, water, and energy, and emits greenhouse gasses. This lab-grown rice dish could be a more sustainable way to get the nutrition we need amidst rising issues.
Meat grown in rice
A team from the China Meat Research Centre, a research organization affiliated with the Beijing Academy of Food Sciences, led the experiment.
According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP), this development has not been published in a peer-reviewed publication.
The scientists “pre-treat” the rice grains and then use them to grow thin layers of chicken or pork cells directly on the grains’ surface in a lab setting. They chose rice as it is rich in fiber and other beneficial nutrients. Moreover, the animal cells were grown specifically in the lab for this purpose.
Wang Shouwei, the study’s main scientist, mentioned to SCMP that this rice appears normal yet smells like both rice and meat when cooked. This way, the rice provides nutrients while the meat cells add protein. The researchers say this creates a balanced and nutritious meal.
“The resulting dish retains the dietary fibre, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals of regular rice while adding essential amino acids and animal proteins,” SCMP reported.
Korean scientists worked on similar idea earlier
It turns out, researchers in South Korea have already been working on a similar idea. In February, Interesting Engineering reported on “cultured beef rice” from Korean scientists. This involved growing animal muscle (beef) inside rice grains.
Yonsei University researchers achieved this by coating rice grains with fish gelatin and enzymes that enabled animal muscle cells to grow on them. After a short incubation period, they obtained beef rice made with safe, cultured cells and low allergy risk.
This innovation goes beyond our plates. Cultured food like this rice-meat combo could be a lifesaver in situations where resources are extremely limited such as in wars or long-duration space missions to the Moon.
Long road before it becomes a reality
Unfortunately, the human desire for meat comes at a cost to the environment. The UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reports that raising animals for food uses a staggering 30% of the world’s arable land, guzzles 8% of our fresh water, and contributes a hefty 18% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Plus, the use of antibiotics in farms can create antibiotic-resistant bacteria and spread diseases from animals to humans.
In the coming years, all these factors may lead to a big shift in the way we produce food, and the search for new, sustainable food sources is gaining momentum.
Alongside this rice and meat innovation, there’s a whole buffet of sustainable options being explored such as lab-grown meat, algae, insects, genetically modified crops, and even 3D-printed food items.
These food options are still in their early stages. And there are still technical hurdles to clear before they hit supermarket shelves. This could involve making the production process more affordable, scaling it up for mass production, and ensuring the safety and quality of the final product.
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Mrigakshi Dixit Mrigakshi is a science journalist who enjoys writing about space exploration, biology, and technological innovations. Her professional experience encompasses both broadcast and digital media, enabling her to learn a variety of storytelling formats. Her work has been featured in well-known publications including Nature India, Supercluster, and Astronomy magazine. If you have pitches in mind, please do not hesitate to email her.