Yemoja’s red microalgae adds “bleed” to medium-rare veggie burgers
Israel’s Yemoja, Ltd., a marine ingredient start-up, has developed a red microalgae for medium-rare plant-based burgers and steaks that adds authentic “bloody” juiciness. Branded Ounje, meaning “Food” in the Yoruba language, this formulation mimics the red juices of real meat without harming animals or the planet and without the need for artificial color additives.
The company discovered that this marine ingredient—when combined with other derivatives from this same Porphyridium strain of algae—can provide a nutrient packed medium for rendering the sensory characteristics of juicy meats for plant-based meat and cultured meat products.