Wednesday, September 17, 2025

Scientists at technical university are eating their cutlery

What to do with disposable cutlery? The thrifty may reuse the utensils while the crafty may use them as children’s art supplies. But a team of scientists from the National Polytechnic Institute (IPN) is eating theirs.

Made out of rice hulls, the edible utensils developed by a research team at the IPN Center for Development of Biotic Products (Ceprobi) are not only a source of nourishment, but contribute to a cleaner environment.

Rice hulls are traditionally used in Mexico as livestock feed due to their short shelf life. Working with this raw material, the researchers first controlled its quick oxidation process in order to be able to experiment longer with it. This led to the development of highly nutritious marzipan and a tortilla chip-like product.

The stabilized rice hull has high levels of essential amino acids, several vitamins, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, selenium and mono and polyunsaturated fats.

The development of the edible cutlery was the result of a trial and error process through which the researchers found the ideal texture for the end product. Apart from the rice hulls the utensils contain just water and a few other natural ingredients.

Spoons manufactured with the material have adequate resistance, the researchers found, and perform as expected when in contact with hot meals. Still, they are not yet satisfied and are experimenting with adding natural gum to harden the product.

Source: Milenio (sp)

Have something to say? Paid Subscribers get all access to make & read comments.
Fonatur glorieta in Los Cabos

MND Local: Major infrastructure projects reflect growing pains in Los Cabos

0
New airport facilities and new highways are on the way in Los Cabos, as our local news roundup takes a look at what's happening in Baja California Sur.
mural honoring Alicia Matías

A mural at explosion site in CDMX honors Alicia Matías, who died saving her granddaughter

1
The 49-year-old heroine's death has been met with an outpouring of admiration while the nation mourns the 15 victims of last week's gas tanker explosion.
Sheinbaum waving the Mexican flag from the National Palace during the annual Grito de Independencia

In first ‘Grito’ as president, Sheinbaum honors Mexico’s heroines of Independence

10
Josefa Ortiz Téllez Girón, Leona Vicario, Gertrudis Bocanegra and Manuela Molina were all included in Sheinbaum's first presidential Grito, or Cry of Independence.
BETA Version - Powered by Perplexity