Microbial Protein

Single-cell proteins or microbial proteins refer to edible unicellular microorganisms. The biomass or protein extract from pure or mixed cultures of algae, yeasts, fungi or bacteria may be used as an ingredient or a substitute for protein-rich foods, and is suitable for human consumption or as animal feeds. Industrial agriculture is marked by a high water footprint, high land use, biodiversity destruction, general environmental degradation and contributes to climate change by emission of a third of all greenhouse gases, production of SCP does not necessarily exhibit any of these serious drawbacks. As of today, SCP is commonly grown on agricultural waste products, and as such inherits the ecological footprint and water footprint of industrial agriculture. However, SCP may also be produced entirely independent of agricultural waste products through autotrophic growth.

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Replacing 20% of the world’s beef consumption with microbial protein, such as Quorn, could halve the destruction of the planet’s forests over the next three decades. Move would also lower emissions by reducing razing of trees and methane emissions from livestock, scientists say

Replacing some meat with microbial protein could help fight climate change

Swapping fifth of meat for microbial protein could halve deforestation

“Microbial Protein” – Fungi-Based Meat Alternatives Can Help Save Earth’s Forests