Introduction:
Scientists led by Heiko Rischer from the Finnish research centre VTT have published the proof of concept for cell-based coffee production. This process involves growing coffee cells in a bioreactor and roasting them instead of using traditional coffee beans. The researchers believe that this biotechnological process could be a more sustainable and efficient way to produce coffee.
- Scientists have been researching biotechnological production processes for coffee since 1974 due to the high environmental costs of traditional cultivation.
- The Finnish team led by Dr Heiko Rischer has now provided proof of concept for cell-based coffee production and had their coffee tasted.
- The process involves growing coffee cells in a bioreactor and roasting them instead of using green coffee beans.
- Cell-based coffee can be cultivated in reproducible quality under controlled conditions within a month, and two harvests per year can be obtained.
- The researchers hope that their publication will encourage the development of a new way of producing coffee that is more sustainable and has a lower environmental impact.
Conclusion:
The Finnish research team has published their proof of concept for cell-based coffee production, demonstrating that coffee cells can be grown in a bioreactor and roasted instead of using traditional coffee beans. This biotechnological process could provide a more sustainable and efficient way to produce coffee with lower environmental costs. However, further research and optimization are needed to ensure that the flavor profile of the cell-based coffee matches that of traditional coffee. The publication of this scientific article is expected to spur the development of an ecosystem that can support the commercial production of cell-based coffee.
