Researchers make 3D-printed food for aged care residents

Edith Cowan University is utilizing 3D printing to provide one small meal packed stuffed with vitamins whereas additionally lowering meals wastage.

It may not appear to be a considerable meal however the puree it creates is full of the substances of a spinach frittata: eggs, ricotta, feta, onions and garlic.

It’s the culinary revolution of 3D meals printing created by researchers at Edith Cowan University and aged care company Brightwater.

“We want to pack as much nutrition, nutritional value and flavour and pleasure and joy with every single mouthful,” chef Amanda Orchard mentioned.

Brightwater Care Group CEO Catherine Stoddart mentioned it is leading edge know-how.

“There are mixes of food that add additional protein, that add additional minerals and vitamins that people don’t normally get,” Stoddart mentioned.

Produce is chopped, freeze-dried and pureed and the combination is transferred into cylinders

Aged care residents are the inspiration.

With as much as two thirds struggling malnutrition due to chewing and swallowing difficulties, scientists are making texture-modified meals extra interesting for the urge for food.

Nutritional top-ups with common meals are only the start.

Then researchers hope to feed the plenty in 12 to 18 months time.

“All we have done is try to create beautiful presentation, more nutritious food and a more enjoyable dining experience for them to stimulate their appetite so they can eat more,” Dr Liezhou Zhong from Edith Cowan University mentioned.

Researchers are considering of an even bigger image, not solely catering for aged care services, but additionally for faculties and the army.

“We can provide them with high energy, long life, lightweight fruit, vegetables or other food products,” Zhong mentioned.

The college is working with the agricultural trade to supply imperfect produce to make completely edible meals.