The textile company makes low-calorie noodles from trees

It seems that the 99-year-old Japanese fabric company decided to enter the food market in an unusual way. Instead of making towels and bedding, she began using fiber trees to make gluten-free snacks.

What is the idea?

Omikenshi Co uses textile technology in order to prepare food. In particular, the company turns the pulp into edible noodles. It contains an incredibly low amount of fats, carbohydrates and calories, and also there is no gluten. Just think: a half kilogram of wheat contains 1669 calories, and the same amount of noodles from wood fibers - 27.

The company hopes that in products such as pasta or ramen, wood pulp can replace wheat. Sales markets are planning to organize in countries such as China that are struggling with the problem of obesity.

But how do they do it?

They start with cellulosic fibers, which are made from wood pulp, called "reion". It is on them that the company specializes - uses to make clothes and all kinds of fabrics. To create a special noodle flour, a production process is used, which is very similar to the production of piece silk. In this flour is combined konjak - a sweet vegetable, similar to the potato that grows in Asia - and wood pulp. Result? Super-healthy noodles with good texture and taste, which is acquired through the use of konjak.

But apart from improving the taste, why does this company use konjak in its composition? These plants are considered the most protected agricultural products in Japan, as the local government protects the interests of farmers who grow them. Thus, new noodles can improve the economy and encourage local farmers to cooperate with the company.

Omikenshi Co is going to spend a billion yen (about $ 8 million) to open a factory that will produce 30 tons of new noodles every month from next year.