CobiaThe next salmon? This sturdy saltwater species, whose scientific name is Rachycentron canadum, grows 10 times faster than most fish. It's meaty and white, along the lines of halibut, but doesn't have a fishy taste. Another species, barramundi, is also a cThe next salmon? This sturdy saltwater species, whose scientific name is Rachycentron canadum, grows 10 times faster than most fish. It's meaty and white, along the lines of halibut, but doesn't have a fishy taste. Another species, barramundi, is also a contender for fish of the future.NOAA/The Fiscal TimesColorful CarrotsA rainbow of differently colored vegetables is already available at farmers' markets, but those colors may be brightening up your grocery store before long. "The reason colored carrots are certain to take over Walmart is not because they look cool (they dA rainbow of differently colored vegetables is already available at farmers' markets, but those colors may be brightening up your grocery store before long. "The reason colored carrots are certain to take over Walmart is not because they look cool (they do) or even because they taste different (they don't)," Schonwald writes. Instead, it's the potential health benefits. Red carrots could be infused with lycopene, the antioxidant found in tomatoes. Yellow and orange ones would pack beta carotene. Purple carrots would get their color from a class of pigments called anthocyanins, but those don't seem to carry added nutritional benefits.iStockphotoTreviso RadicchioJust as bagged mixed greens have replaced iceberg lettuce in our salads, this type of radicchio has the potential to explode in popularity, author Josh Schonwald writes in "The Taste of Tomorrow." It's not as bitter as other types of radicchio and has a mJust as bagged mixed greens have replaced iceberg lettuce in our salads, this type of radicchio has the potential to explode in popularity, author Josh Schonwald writes in "The Taste of Tomorrow." It's not as bitter as other types of radicchio and has a meatier texture that makes it great for grilling. But food scientists could work wonders with produce of all types. Technology could allow, for example, for a Caesar salad that needs no dressing – the Caesar flavor "could be bred into the lettuce."iStockphoto...Or Wild About Weeds?Ralph Waldo Emerson said that a weed is "a plant whose virtues have never been discovered." But Americans could soon find that some weeds have surprising culinary potential. Purslane, for example, is flavorful and packs plenty of nutrients: six times as mRalph Waldo Emerson said that a weed is "a plant whose virtues have never been discovered." But Americans could soon find that some weeds have surprising culinary potential. Purslane, for example, is flavorful and packs plenty of nutrients: six times as much vitamin A as spinach and seven times more beta carotene than carrots, according to Schonwald.iStockphotoInsects for Dinner?Mealworms, grasshoppers, and crickets could be great sources of protein. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization held a meeting in Rome earlier this year to assess the potential of insects as food. The question for Americans: Can we overcomeMealworms, grasshoppers, and crickets could be great sources of protein. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization held a meeting in Rome earlier this year to assess the potential of insects as food. The question for Americans: Can we overcome the yuck factor?Jerry Lampen/ReutersIn Vitro MeatDoes your hamburger have to come from a cow? Scientists and engineers may figure out ways to create meat for mass consumption from cultured cells. Besides the potential environmental benefits from not needing herds of livestock, the test-tube meat could aDoes your hamburger have to come from a cow? Scientists and engineers may figure out ways to create meat for mass consumption from cultured cells. Besides the potential environmental benefits from not needing herds of livestock, the test-tube meat could also be engineered to be healthier than the real thing, so you could have that hamburger without worrying about clogging your arteries.ReutersOut of Africa and into Your Supermarket"You will find the foods and spices of sub-Saharan Africa in your strip malls and your quick-service restaurants and your big-box grocery stores in 2035," Schonwald writes. And why not? We've already got flavors from almost all other parts of the world. T"You will find the foods and spices of sub-Saharan Africa in your strip malls and your quick-service restaurants and your big-box grocery stores in 2035," Schonwald writes. And why not? We've already got flavors from almost all other parts of the world. Those African dishes are almost the only ones that can't yet be commonly found.ReutersFood Pills?The idea of Jetsons-style pills that can replace food probably remains more in the realm of cartoons and science fiction than reality for now. But nutritional scientists haven't given up on the notion. So around the time you're eating your first test-tubeThe idea of Jetsons-style pills that can replace food probably remains more in the realm of cartoons and science fiction than reality for now. But nutritional scientists haven't given up on the notion. So around the time you're eating your first test-tube grown hamburger, you may want to check back to see where this technology stands.iStockphoto
