It's not meat, but meat !? February 24, 12:30

A delicious hamburger pate.

It's an "alternative meat" made from plant-derived ingredients.

Have you ever eaten?

Challenge the problem!

It was only recently that "meat substitutes" were found in supermarkets, and the entrance examination for junior high school also asked about current affairs about plant-based meat.

The problem is here.

Problem In

the United States, we can see the introduction of plant-based meat.

As an explanation for plant-based meat, choose two mistakes and answer with a symbol.

A. Switching to plant-based meat does not reduce greenhouse gases.

B. It suits health consciousness in terms of calories.

C. He is now offered at restaurants such as hamburger shops.

The development was triggered by the fact that more than half of Americans do not eat beef for religious reasons.

In addition to meat, plant-based milk that replaces milk is already on the market.

Ka He is behind the development of food innovation that combines food and science.

Currently, the commercialization of plant-derived meat is progressing in other countries.

(Joshigakuin Junior High School 2021)

The choices a and d are wrong.

I asked an expert in detail.

What is meat substitute?

Mr. Shinichi Ishikawa, a professor at Miyagi University who specializes in food science, taught me.

What is the meat substitute in a nutshell?

Mr. Ishikawa

"In the past, when it came to meat, it was common to make meat from animal cows, pigs, and chickens, but we are trying to make meat-like meat from vegetable soybeans, pea beans, and so on. I think that is an alternative meat. "

It is said that the reason for its spread was the United States.

Mr. Ishikawa

"Around 10 years ago, an alternative meat startup company was born in the United States, where development actually progressed, and it was relatively 5 to 6 years ago to provide it to high-end supermarkets. It's been a couple of years since I've seen a lot of excitement. It's been a year in Japan, and I think the number of people who see it is increasing. "

Population growth and environmental problems

Why was the meat substitute born?

There are two main reasons for this.

One is "concerns about population growth."

Mr. Ishikawa

"It is common for the world's population to grow steadily and when the country becomes wealthy, it is common to eat a lot of meat, and the production of livestock so far alone cannot keep up with the production. In that situation, we will use vegetable products to provide meat-like products. "

Another point that Mr. Ishikawa points out is "increasing interest in environmental issues."

For example, in the case of cattle, methane gas generated from belching and excrement during breeding is said to have a greenhouse effect 25 times that of carbon dioxide.

If so, eating alternative meats derived from plants will have a smaller impact on the environment.

It is said that this idea is centered around young people born in the 1990s and 2000s, called "Gen Z".

Mr. Ishikawa:

"The first generation to jump to meat substitutes was the so-called Generation Z, a younger generation. I think that it is the generation that actively incorporates things that are good for the environment and society, and that is probably another generation. It will spread more and more, and I think the first big trend is to choose environmentally friendly foods. "

What is your favorite taste?

Meat substitutes that are spreading.

By the way, what is the taste you care about?

First of all, ham, which is an alternative meat.

It was crunchy, elastic, and ham itself.

Furthermore, grilled meat using substitute meat is just like meat.

What is the most important point in reproducing meat?

Mr. Ishikawa

"I think that texture is probably the most important point. Minced meat-like things such as hamburgers and meatballs can be seasoned to add color, taste, and smell. The texture is shaped as a whole, so I think it would be quite difficult to make it into the shape of meat that has animal characteristics. "

So how do you get the texture?

Mr. Ishikawa

"When processing soybeans, we apply high pressure, twist and twist to create a meaty and chewy texture."

Expanding business opportunities

Meat substitutes that are in high demand worldwide.

If we can produce meat substitutes that are more satisfying in terms of taste and texture, it is expected to lead to great business opportunities.

Mr. Ishikawa:

"In Japan, there are many processed soybean products, tofu, and ganmodoki, even if they are not meat substitutes. Japanese companies have in the field of soybean processing technology, so I think that it has successfully led to the development of meat substitutes today. "

This is an alternative tuna made from plant-derived ingredients and an alternative sea urchin developed by a Japanese company.

It may not be long before these Japanese technologies will surprise the world.

When I buy meat, I choose it based on its taste and price, but I felt that the choice would change as the number of alternative meats derived from plants increased.

In "Migake, Curiosity!" Of "Weekly Maru-Knowledge News" (broadcast at 9:00 am on Saturday), we will delve into the news every week on the subject of current affairs raised in the entrance examination.

Let's think of "why?", In fact, "in the first place" that you want to know as a Kamakura caster!

You can also review the past on the homepage of the corner.

Please take a look from the link below!

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/special/maruwaka-migake/