One expert predicted a stem cell sausage might be created within six months. The scientists hope to create a safe and reliable method that would save millions of animals from slaughter and help the environment by drastically reducing energy, land and water usage.

The meat created thus far is cultured from pig cells fed with horse fetal serum. Unfortunately, the synthesized meat looks very unappealing because it is white. Dr. Mark Post of Maastricht said, “It’s white because there’s no blood in it, and very little myoglobin, the iron-bearing protein. We are looking at ways to build up the myoglobin to give it color.”

Even with the possibility of a somewhat appetizing platter of processed pastrami on the way, most farmers do not feel threatened by the technology.

Not only do the scientists need to make the meat tasty, textured and nutritious, they must be able to do so on a large enough scale to impact the meat industry. Even so, Dr. Post remains optimistic, “I’m hopeful we can have a hamburger in a year.”