Interesting article on a new fake meat

[Mike Filigenzi]

Just saw this article on Slate. I thought it was interesting from a couple of angles. I don't use these sorts of products, but if one came along that really didn't differ much from the real thing and was cheaper, then maybe I'd start thinking about it. The other interesting aspect of the article was the company that's producing this stuff. They're pretty ambitious.

Thought I'd post it and see what everyone here thinks about these products in general and the one described in this article in particular.

[Carl Eppig]

Never heard of them, but the product would have been handy during the couple of years True Love's doctor had her on a veggi diet.

[Jenise]

Sounds like something Robin would be interested in. He's been using some ersatz meats lately. I'm still weird on the whole idea of eating pretend meats, that is if by choice (leaving out situations like Mrs. Eppig's) you don't eat meat.

Btw, the other day I saw fake crab in the supermarket's fish case labelled "Wild". I had a good laugh over that.

[Dale Williams]

Damn Mike, you beat me to it.
I'd like to try this. I've never had a "fake meat" that didn't remind me more of "fake" than "meat." But there are a lot of ethical arguments that would make something that was really close desirable.
Jenise, I guess that's actually true re origins, as surinimi is usually pollock, cod, or hake , none of which are farmed.

[Jenise]

Jenise, I guess that's actually true re origins, as surinimi is usually pollock, cod, or hake , none of which are farmed.

Oh sure, but I somehow don't picture it making a difference with the average surimi buyer!

[Jeff Grossman/NYC]

If you need a cheap vehicle for cocktail sauce, "wild" is no obstacle.

[Mike Filigenzi]

Along these lines, I was at a coffee shop-type restaurant with co-workers yesterday. The placemats advertised their specials for the month, all of which involved lobster, or "lobster*" as is was referred to on the placemat. The "*" referenced a tradename of some kind (can't remember it now), and a quick Google search showed that the stuff consists of lobster, several other fish types (haddock, shrimp, crab), carrageenan, and a couple of other minor chemistry items. One of our group had the lobster* salad and said it was quite tasty, but I didn't get a bite to try.

On the topic of fake meat in general, I rather like the idea. If someone can put together a version that's really good, I'll be willing to buy it.