
So, What Is Plant-Based Meat?
Plant-based meat is products without a drop of animal meat or even fats. Brands like Beyond Meat and the Impossible Burger are designed to look, taste, and smell like real meat, but are made entirely of plant products like beans, grains, and legumes. These meats should also cook like the real deal, mimicking the juice, and recreating a flavorful sear that meat lovers enjoy. They come in all shapes and sizes — patties, nuggets, crumbles, in sausages — so they can mimic the real meat dishes and complement any side dish. One of the most popular varieties is the vegan patty that is used in — you guessed it — vegan burgers. Depending on the meat that’s being produced, plant proteins, fibers, and starches are isolated to form flours or concentrates for the meat-making process. To achieve the same texture as meat, the plant products undergo a process called extrusion. This involves hydration, shearing, and cooking that get rid of “plant” aromas, flavors, and textures.