LONDON — The world’s first test tube burger is expected to be served this week in London, and the very thought of it is making some stomachs turn and noses turn up in disgust.
The meat was grown in a lab from tiny stem cells of a cow.
At different stages in the development process, The Daily Mail UK describes it as being grey and “slippery in texture” and the “consistency of an undercooked egg.”
The stem cell meat was developed to help meet the demand for protein without herds of cattle. Researchers say they came up with the idea because they say meat will one day be a luxury food and very expensive.
But, it’s expensive now, too. The developers have set a high price on the delicacy. The five ounce frankenburger costs about 250,000 Euro or $330,000.
In simple terms, the meat was developed by taking tissue from a cow’s muscle. Then stem cells are extracted from the tissue. Muscle cells are also grown to bulk them up; and the new muscle fibers are minced and turned into burgers.
Researchers say ultimately, it could take only six weeks to develop the meat from stem cell to super market.
