Slovenian food tech startup Juicy Marbles introduces the world’s first plant-based ribs, complete with edible vegan bones, aiming to recreate the nostalgic joy of eating ribs without the environmental impact.
As a self-proclaimed barbecue virtuoso from South Africa, the idea of replacing succulent steaks and ribs with plant-based alternatives seemed far-fetched. However, driven by a love for the planet and a desire to reduce my carbon footprint, I decided to give Juicy Marbles’ plant-based ribs a try. This Slovenian food tech startup claims to recreate the primal pleasure of eating ribs while addressing the negative environmental impact of meat consumption.
The Rise of Juicy Marbles and Their Innovative Approach to Plant-Based Meat
Juicy Marbles, founded in 2020, gained recognition for creating the world’s first marbled plant-based steak. Now, they have ventured into the realm of ribs, aiming to provide a convincing alternative to meat-based ribs. Their patent-pending 3D assembly system layers proteins into linear fibers, mimicking the texture and structure of meat.
Aesthetics and Grilling Experience
Upon receiving the plant-based ribs, I was impressed by their appearance, which closely resembled real pork ribs. The addition of edible vegan bones and beetroot juice for color enhanced the visual appeal. Grilling the ribs was a pleasant experience, as the outer layer crispened perfectly, although the rack did become slightly fragile towards the end.
The Taste Test – A Decent Alternative, but Not Quite the Real Deal
The succulent texture of the plant-based “meat” flaked off the “bone” with ease, reminiscent of pulled pork. However, it lacked the distinct taste and flavor profile of traditional pork ribs. The addition of sunflower oil to the soy protein failed to replicate the deliciousness of real pig fat. Moreover, the high protein and oil content made the plant-based ribs quite filling.
Edible Vegan Bones – A Fun Addition, but Not Quite Enjoyable
The vegan bones, with the same protein content as beef jerky, were meant to be fried or baked as a crispy snack. However, my experience with them was less than satisfying, as they remained chewy even after air frying. Nevertheless, the bones added a unique element to the overall experience.
Uniting Meat Eaters and Vegans Around the Barbecue
Juicy Marbles aims to recreate the joy of sharing food, bridging the gap between meat eaters and vegans at barbecues. By offering plant-based whole cuts like their bone-in ribs, they hope to include vegans and vegetarians in the cultural tradition of barbecue, which is often centered around animal protein. This inclusivity could lead to a reduction in overall meat consumption, benefiting both the planet and our health.
Conclusion: While Juicy Marbles’ plant-based bone-in ribs may not fully replicate the taste and experience of traditional pork ribs, they offer a decent alternative for those looking to reduce their meat consumption. The pursuit of plant-based meat perfection, as exemplified by companies like Juicy Marbles, has the potential to shift our diets in a more sustainable direction. As demand for plant-based alternatives continues to rise in Europe and the cost gap between conventional meat and plant-based options narrows, it is likely that plant-based whole cuts will become a common feature at barbecues in the future.
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