Posted on 06/19/2015 5:38:26 PM PDT by 2ndDivisionVet
A few weeks ago, Londoners were able to eat at the world’s first 3D printed, pop-up restaurant. In early June, a German-based company introduced the word’s first plug-and-play food printer, which may be ready for shipping as early as 2016. With the lowering cost to produce this technology, making it increasingly accessible, 3D printing could fundamentally change our relationship with food.
Simply put, the process uses ingredients to generate three-dimensional meals by placing layers of compounded food on top of each other. Since 2012, the food industry has used this technology to produce ubiquitous products like candy, chocolate, pizza, noodles and even crackers. Despite its relative novelty, many companies are recognizing 3D food printing’s potential to revolutionize global food systems.
In particular, 3D printing could enable companies to manage resources more responsibly, and reduce waste across the food continuum, whether you are a food processor, distributor or a consumer with leftovers. Indeed, many well-known agribusiness corporations have already dedicated a great deal of time and research on 3D systems. There is a potential benefit to consumer health as well. For example, PepsiCo recently announced that it is using 3D printing technology to develop a healthier potato chip.
Beyond manufacturing, 3D printing could also boost culinary creativity by allowing renowned chefs to create shapes and forms previously thought impossible. Some have also argued that it can also give the food service industry the ability to customize products based on individual nutritional needs. Given our demographic challenges over the next few decades, this can become a key benefit. For example, many nursing homes in Germany already produce a 3D-printed food product called smoothfoods for residents who have difficulty eating. Regular smoothies have been on the menu, but haven’t proved popular. Residents eating smoothfoods can receive all the nutrients they require....
(Excerpt) Read more at montrealgazette.com ...
Look at the bright side. Homos can make their own cakes.
LOL
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