This article written by authors Young Yi and Kim, talks about the latest food invention: beef rice. Beef rice is being researched as an environment-friendly alternative to meat-based protein. Researchers in South Korea are adding enzymes to rice grains and then infusing them with bovine to create a good cell-growing environment. The final product is the pink rice which has the flavors of beef and necessary protein and fat content while being cost and environment-friendly. This cultured beef rice is supposed to be more safe for consumption and sustainable in areas where traditional livestock farming is no longer an option. It is safer because fewer people are allergic to rice compared to soy or nuts. There is also 18% animal-based protein in this food which makes it rich in amino acids. Even though it does not compare to actual beef in terms of taste and flavor, it is still a work in progress with good results from the research standpoint.

I believe this innovation will be a great way for South Korea to excel in the food industry and create tie-ups with other countries. This will promote further international trade and opportunities to expand this product and related research. It will be especially thriving for Asian countries whose staple food is rice due to their geography and cultural background. This option is healthy as well as cost-efficient which will be a good boost for today’s economy especially with the inflation risk. There are also similar products(lab-grown meats) coming up in different countries like the plant-based chicken and eel with a soy base invented in Singapore.

Even though there is not a lot of bias because it is a growing research, this article has more good points about this innovation than downsides to attract the readers. This article is mainly geared toward health-conscious people and growing companies. The impact of this specific product on consumers is huge because people want to be healthy and have a protein intake, but maybe without having meat. This beef rice gives people enough nutrients while staying vegetarian. It could be a huge success in countries like India where rice is a staple food and a lot of people are vegetarian.

Nikita Jacob