British startup Moolec plans to mass-produce pork from soybeans. The technology has already been tested and is ready to scale. Moolec, as the name suggests, is involved in plant and crop research at the molecular level. This American venture also operates in the USA, Europe and South America. Now they are developing a platform for the production of “soybean pork”, which may be more profitable to raise than real meat.

The developers called the genetic engineer’s new invention “Piggy Sooy”. Biologically it is still a plant, as it grows like a normal soybean. But in terms of molecular structure, soy pork is indeed closer to meat. The amount of animal protein and other trace elements here is sufficient to meet the needs of the human body. It is assumed that people do not need much to eat meat to make up for the shortage of necessary substances. Soy pork serves this purpose.

Before embarking on the improved soybean breeding experiment, the engineers selected a list of vital animal proteins, compiled a list of the most beneficial genes, and identified factors that affect the taste of dishes prepared with real pork. After that, experts tried to transfer the main qualities to the vegetable analogue of meat. In particular, they preserved the pink color of the product, reminiscent of raw pork. As a result, pig genes were added to soybean cells and the first crop was grown.

26.6% of the proteins of animal origin were found in soy pork. However, the remaining 73.4% is still a plant. Such soybeans can be planted and grown in the usual way, the harvest is also carried out according to the standard scheme. Only the color is different – so the average buyer is not confused.

The company has already developed a special platform for saturating agricultural crops with high-value proteins. According to the engineers, the method works not only for soybeans, but also for seeds of other plants. In the near future, the startup plans to obtain a patent for its invention and begin research on “enriched” peas. The inventors plan to grow beef from it.

There is still no information about the introduction of soybean, or at least the mass cultivation of “bean with meat”, and the cost to the end consumer is also unclear. But there is already an assumption that this process will cost less than meat synthesis in laboratories. And the commercial success of the Moolec initiative could significantly reduce the number of pigs sent to slaughter. And perhaps to eliminate the environmental and ethical issues associated with the killing of animals. Numerous animal rights activists and eco-activists advocate this.

Meat lovers should have no trouble switching to soy pork (or ground beef). These foods on their own are not as repulsive as ground cricket cookies or earthworm flour, but they are an excellent source of protein and other trace elements. Therefore, Piggy Sooy can become a popular and useful product.