Belarusian scientists have developed a meat-and-vegetable cutlet that is maximally similar to fish in nutritional value, but does not have its characteristic smell and consistency. The new product is planned for use, including in school meals, reports the "Healthy People" portal.
Specialists from the Scientific and Practical Center of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus for Food are working on the development. According to Hanna Zhurni, a leading researcher at the center, the cutlet was created as a nutritious analogue to fish products.
Scientists aimed to bring its nutritional value, protein, fat, and carbohydrate content, as well as its amino acid and mineral composition, close to that of fish. However, they did not copy the composition of any single fish species, but rather studied the chemical composition of various marine and river species and calculated average indicators, which they used as a guide when creating the product.
One of the main tasks was to reproduce the fatty acid profile characteristic of fish, but to retain the taste, texture, and aroma familiar to meat products.
According to the developers, studies have shown that the new cutlet is absorbed by the body in much the same way as fish. Preliminary tastings involving people of different ages have also been conducted.
The development is currently in its final stage. Research in the laboratory of the Republican Control and Testing Complex for Food Quality and Safety has been ongoing for over two years.
Scientists expect that in the near future, such cutlets may appear in the range of products for school nutrition. Further, the possibility of releasing a semi-finished product for a wider range of consumers is being considered.
Simultaneously, the Scientific and Practical Center of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus for Food is working on other products with altered compositions. Among them are an egg substitute made from chickpeas, products with increased dietary fiber content, lupine products, and confectionery with reduced sugar content. The development of healthy food products, including for children, is one of the priority areas of the center's activities.
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