Recently, the LA Times reported that the smarty pants people at Cornell University had developed tool food tool for “solid freeform fabrication.” Basically, its a 3D printer (currently all the rage in nerd circles) for food. Layer by yummy layer, food is created or built. As a prime example, I direct your attention to the image below. The small golden nugget is a in fact a) shaped like a space shuttle and b) made of scallop puree.
Researchers are understandably excited by their work and see a great deal of promise in the 3D food printer.
The ability to print food could have significant ramifications for chefs and industrial food producers alike, according to scientists. And the average American, who spends more than 30 minutes a day preparing meals, could save more than 150 hours each year using a commercial version of the machine.
Here is a clip of the printer in action.