Singapore-based casual Italian restaurant Fico is revolutionizing the food industry with the introduction of the world’s first chocolate gelato made with ingredients derived from thin air. This groundbreaking dessert is made possible by Solein, the world’s most sustainable protein, produced by Finnish food-tech startup Solar Foods.
By utilizing a novel microbial protein derived from air, Fico is reshaping the way we think about food production and sustainability. With Solein, Fico offers a glimpse into a future where taste, texture, and environmental responsibility can coexist harmoniously.
The Science Behind Solein
Solein is made through a fermentation process. Hydrogen-oxidizing bacteria are grown in a bioreactor using carbon dioxide and hydrogen obtained from renewable sources. Essential nutrients are added to support bacterial growth. After fermentation, the biomass is harvested and processed into a protein-rich powder called Solein.
A Taste of the Future
Fico’s air-based vegan chocolate gelato marks a significant leap forward in sustainable gastronomy. By replacing dairy with Solein, Fico’s culinary team has crafted a vegan gelato that retains the creamy texture and indulgent flavours loved by dessert enthusiasts worldwide. This innovative creation demonstrates that it is possible to savour familiar tastes and textures while embracing a more sustainable future.
Chef Mirko Febbrile’s Vision
Under the visionary guidance of Chef Mirko Febbrile, Fico’s chef-partner, the restaurant has embarked on a remarkable journey to redefine the concept of food sustainability. Exploring the versatility of Solein, chef Mirko and his team have created a range of dishes, from miso soups to pasta, sauces, and now, gelato. By utilizing Solein as a replacement for traditional protein sources, they have successfully demonstrated that sustainability does not have to compromise on taste and quality.
“It is a remarkable opportunity to be the first chef team to introduce a one-of-a-kind ice cream to the world. It combines the familiar delicious taste we all love with a unique ingredient produced without relying on traditional agriculture. Exploring Solein’s versatility has been an incredible journey; we’ve experimented with its potential, creating dishes ranging from miso soups, pasta, sauces, and desserts. Replacing dairy with Solein in this chocolate gelato, we were able to craft a vegan ice cream without compromising on its creaminess,” says Mirko.
Solein: The ‘Intel Inside’ of Food
Solein’s ability to seamlessly blend into various foods is a testament to its versatility and functionality. Whether used in sweet or savoury recipes, Solein integrates effortlessly, offering a complementary colour and texture to the final product. In the case of Solein chocolate gelato, the colour is derived from the chocolate, creating a visually indistinguishable treat. Solar Foods’ Chief Commercial Officer, Shilei Zhang, aptly describes Solein as the ‘Intel inside’ of the food industry, enhancing products without altering their familiar characteristics.
The Future of Food Production
Solein’s remarkable attributes extend beyond its culinary applications. As a protein-rich powder containing essential amino acids, Solein has the potential to replace existing proteins in a wide range of foods, including dairy and meat alternatives, snacks, beverages, noodles, pasta, breads, and spreads. Unlike traditional agriculture, Solein’s production is not reliant on weather or climate, and it can be cultivated in harsh environments such as deserts and Arctic regions, even opening doors for space exploration.
A Sustainable Partnership
Solar Foods’ partnership with Japanese food company Ajinomoto further highlights the potential of Solein. This collaboration aims to develop products using Solein and conduct marketability studies, paving the way for future sustainable protein innovations. Additionally, Solar Foods’ upcoming production facility, Factory 01 in Finland, will bring Solein production to a commercial scale by 2024, ensuring a consistent supply of this groundbreaking protein source.
All images in this article are courtesy of Solar Foods.
