The Science Life Microbes

A fluffy, orange fungus could transform food waste into tasty dishes

The fungus thrives on things like soy pulp, coffee grounds, corn cobs and bland custard

An artsy food shot shows a white bowl on a gray counter. A spatter of orange coats the bottom of the bowl while a device drips a syrupy dot on top. The orange is a fungus that gave this rice custard a fruity taste.

The fungus Neurospora intermedia (orange-colored powder) transformed a bland rice custard into a fruity treat, served at a top restaurant in Copenhagen. New research shows how the fungus can also transform food waste into tasty morsels.

Daniel Jensen/24Copenhagen

By Anna Gibbs

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