Designer Produces a 3D-Printed Edible Morsel Using Both Technical and Natural Processes

Edible Growth 3D-Printed Food by Chloé Rutzerveld

In her 2014 experimental design project Edible Growth, designer Chloé Rutzerveld has created a 3D-printed edible morsel using a combination of technical and natural processes. The morsel is grown inside a 3D-printed edible structure, with plants and fungi sprouting out after about five days. The rapid-manufactured nature of the food limits environmental impact by shortening the food chain and limiting land and energy use. The food is nutritious because it is grown from natural ingredients using natural processes including photosynthesis and fermentation. And since it is intended for immediate consumption, no preservatives are needed.

According to Rutzerveld, it will take 8 to 10 years of additional technological development before a 3D-printed food product like hers will be on the market. Rutzerveld developed the project in collaboration with Eindhoven University of Technology and TNO.

Edible Growth 3D-Printed Food by Chloé Rutzerveld

Edible Growth 3D-Printed Food by Chloé Rutzerveld

Edible Growth 3D-Printed Food by Chloé Rutzerveld

photos via Chloé Rutzerveld

via Dezeen, Colossal

E.D.W. Lynch
E.D.W. Lynch

Writer and humor generalist on the Internet and on Facebook.