If a trip to the lake with your fishing rod is not an option, an Israeli company has created a method of 3D bioprinting its own ‘fresh’ fish – which it says will be ready to cook immediately.
Stakeholder Foods has developed a 3D-printed grouper fish filet from stem cells, processed through bioprinting technology into a fish-like form.
The product, created in partnership with Umami Meats, mimics the taste and texture of natural fish and may hit supermarket shelves later this year.
“In the coming months, we plan to announce our plans to bring this world-class farmed fish to market,” said Mihir Pershad, CEO of Umami Meats, at a tasting event in Israel last week via The Telegraph.
“At the first tasting, we showed a cultured product that chips, tastes, and melts in your mouth exactly as excellent fish should,” he explained.
The development of this technology could bring numerous benefits, especially concerning food shortages – but also to the global issue of overfishing.
Marine experts estimate that about one-third of global fish stocks are being overexploited. The grouper, in particular, is considered to be at risk of extinction.
In addition, the biologically engineered fish is free of pollutants such as microplastics, which can affect traditionally harvested seafood stocks.
Grouper fish fillets are created by combining fish stem cells with various nutrients, which are then processed into bio-inks and a printer.
Printing takes only a few minutes, and the product can be immediately cooked and eaten.
Interested parties are also working to create whole cuts of 3D-printed meat, including steaks and other seafood such as eels.
In 2020, fast-food giant KFC partnered with a Russian bioprinting company to produce artificial chicken nuggets.
With information from Gazeta Brasil