In the past we have seen how 3D printers can be used to print certain types of food, such as chocolates and candies, but now according to a company based in the UK, Dovetailed, they claim to have used a 3D printer to create fruit. Now that seems a little odd and almost impossible, given that fruits are grown, unlike chocolates which is a combination of other types of ingredients.
However we should point out that these aren’t exactly fruits per se, but rather a reconstituted version of fruits that can be printed out in any flavor. The concept is based on a molecular gastronomy technique call spherification, which converts liquid to gelatinous globes, with the end result looking like caviar or tapioca pearls. The liquid is dropped into a cold bath of calcium chloride which then forms a skin around it.
According to Dovetailed founder, Vaiva Kalnikaite, “Our 3D fruit printer will open up new possibilities not only to professional chefs but also to our home kitchens — allowing us to enhance and expand our dining experiences. We have re-invented the concept of fresh fruit on demand.” We reckon the term “fresh fruit” is a bit of a stretch, but if you wanted something “fruit-like”, then perhaps this could be it.
The machine will also allow the user to mix different types of fruit juices, so chefs can go crazy with their creations if they wanted to. It’s an interesting idea and in a way, it brings some level of automation to molecular gastronomy, but what do you guys think?
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