Did you know that you can now repurpose your discarded food? Prepare to be amazed – what we really meant was fungi! New research has identified a specific type of mould that grows on discarded food, radically altering its flavour and giving it a new form of consumption. We totally get it – we were just as shocked at first as you are now! Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley found and cultured a specific type of fungus, called Neurospora intermedia, from by-products of fruits, vegetables and plant-based milk waste. The results of the findings were published in the journal Nature Microbiology.
The researchers collaborated with some chefs at Michelin-starred restaurants in New York and Copenhagen to develop unique dishes using the fungus. In fact, you might be even more surprised to know that some of these dishes already appear on the menus of those restaurants: a cheesy toast made from stale bread and a sweet dessert made from unsweetened rice custard.
Why is food waste reused to make unique dishes?
Food waste has become a major concern around the world. It is responsible for around eight percent of greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. By recycling food, one can try to reduce food waste and improve global food security, researchers explain, according to New Scientist.
Where does this unique orange mushroom (Neurospora intermedia) grow?
According to the results of the study, N. intermedia can grow on at least 30 types of agricultural waste without producing toxins that affect human health. “We are only in the early stages of exploiting its full potential,” say the researchers.
The Michelin-starred chefs involved in the research explain: “This mold is incredibly delicious. It looks and tastes like you've grated cheddar cheese on bread and toasted it. It's a great example of what you can do with it,” according to Phys.org.
About Somdatta SahaAn explorer – that’s what Somdatta likes to call herself. Be it in terms of food, people or places, all she yearns for is to know the unknown. A simple pasta with aglio olio or a daal-chawal and a good movie can brighten up her day.