This designer wants to make gourmet food out of chicken feathers

By Rebecca Cairns, CNN

Updated 8:03 PM ET, Tue December 8, 2020

Design student Sorawut Kittibanthorn has created an alternative protein using chicken feathers. He showcases them in high-end gourmet dishes, like this "beef" tartare with smashed avocado, raw egg yolk, red onion, parsley, dill, chili flakes and capers.
Photos: This designer wants to make gourmet food out of chicken feathers
Design student Sorawut Kittibanthorn has created an alternative protein using chicken feathers. He showcases them in high-end gourmet dishes, like this "beef" tartare with smashed avocado, raw egg yolk, red onion, parsley, dill, chili flakes and capers.
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Since humans can't digest feathers, roughly <a href="http://www.ijirset.com/upload/2016/september/188_CHICKEN.pdf" target="_blank">two million tons</a> are discarded every year -- so Kittibanthorn developed a 13-step process to break them down. The project, called "A Lighter Delicacy," uses high-end ingredients to elevate the chicken feather protein.
Photos: This designer wants to make gourmet food out of chicken feathers
Since humans can't digest feathers, roughly two million tons are discarded every year -- so Kittibanthorn developed a 13-step process to break them down. The project, called "A Lighter Delicacy," uses high-end ingredients to elevate the chicken feather protein.
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Kittibanthorn created the protein as part of his master's degree in future materials at London's Central Saint Martins art school. Here, he pays homage to the protein's origin by creating a white feather meat "wing" served with truffle foam, roasted purple cauliflower, malabar spinach and ruby corn.
Photos: This designer wants to make gourmet food out of chicken feathers
Kittibanthorn created the protein as part of his master's degree in future materials at London's Central Saint Martins art school. Here, he pays homage to the protein's origin by creating a white feather meat "wing" served with truffle foam, roasted purple cauliflower, malabar spinach and ruby corn.
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His sample dishes show the versatility of the feather protein. Here, the feather "meat" is marinated in curry spices, and served with pumpkin puree, roasted sesame, flaxseeds, sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds.
Photos: This designer wants to make gourmet food out of chicken feathers
His sample dishes show the versatility of the feather protein. Here, the feather "meat" is marinated in curry spices, and served with pumpkin puree, roasted sesame, flaxseeds, sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds.
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In this dish, the feather-based protein is transformed into a "fish fillet," flavored with salt water and crusted with chia seeds. It's served with a creamy seafood sauce, garnished with dill and topped with salmon roe.
Photos: This designer wants to make gourmet food out of chicken feathers
In this dish, the feather-based protein is transformed into a "fish fillet," flavored with salt water and crusted with chia seeds. It's served with a creamy seafood sauce, garnished with dill and topped with salmon roe.
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Kittibanthorn experimented with different uses for the protein, including as a keto-friendly carb replacement. Nutritionally, these cookie tuiles are more like a protein bar than a biscuit.
Photos: This designer wants to make gourmet food out of chicken feathers
Kittibanthorn experimented with different uses for the protein, including as a keto-friendly carb replacement. Nutritionally, these cookie tuiles are more like a protein bar than a biscuit.
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While this may look like a regular pesto pasta dish, the spaghetti is actually a carb-free, keto-friendly, high-protein substitute made from chicken feathers.
Photos: This designer wants to make gourmet food out of chicken feathers
While this may look like a regular pesto pasta dish, the spaghetti is actually a carb-free, keto-friendly, high-protein substitute made from chicken feathers.
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These feather-thin translucent wraps add a protein punch to mini vegetable hors d'oeuvres.
Photos: This designer wants to make gourmet food out of chicken feathers
These feather-thin translucent wraps add a protein punch to mini vegetable hors d'oeuvres.
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In place of wheat-based bread or crackers at the start of a meal, Kittibanthorn also experimented with feather protein crisps.
Photos: This designer wants to make gourmet food out of chicken feathers
In place of wheat-based bread or crackers at the start of a meal, Kittibanthorn also experimented with feather protein crisps.
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This "everyday caviar" is created from feather protein, and can be eaten as a garnish or spread, says Kittibanthorn.
Photos: This designer wants to make gourmet food out of chicken feathers
This "everyday caviar" is created from feather protein, and can be eaten as a garnish or spread, says Kittibanthorn.
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Is this the future of the Big Mac? Probably not, but Kittibanthorn's feather-based protein burger patty shows the possibilities of future food.
Photos: This designer wants to make gourmet food out of chicken feathers
Is this the future of the Big Mac? Probably not, but Kittibanthorn's feather-based protein burger patty shows the possibilities of future food.
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Having tested those different options, Kittibanthorn ultimately decided to develop his feather protein as a "meat" rather than a carb replacement. He experimented with texture and color to make it look similar to the real thing.
Photos: This designer wants to make gourmet food out of chicken feathers
Having tested those different options, Kittibanthorn ultimately decided to develop his feather protein as a "meat" rather than a carb replacement. He experimented with texture and color to make it look similar to the real thing.
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The feather-based meat substitute can be sliced, minced, or formed into different shapes.
Photos: This designer wants to make gourmet food out of chicken feathers
The feather-based meat substitute can be sliced, minced, or formed into different shapes.
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