Scientists Are Using Lettuce to Make Plant-Based Meat Taste More Realistic

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Wise Brothers—-Chattanooga, TN

Scientists Are Using Lettuce to Make Plant-Based Meat Taste More Realistic

Scientists just engineered lettuce plants to produce myoglobin, which is an iron-rich protein that helps give meat its signature color and flavor.

 

 

The results from the tests were promising, with lettuce producing more myoglobin than other alternatives.

 

 

Researchers call the work a proof of concept and say more studies are needed to see whether it can work at scale.  But they’re hopeful that lettuce can soon start making plant-based meat taste more like the real thing.

 

 

They also say the technology could eventually lead to iron-enriched lettuce. So, vegetarians and vegans might be getting some souped-up lettuce soon.

 

Photo by Petr on Unsplash

Courtesy of Food & Wine