FARGO, N.D. — Move over meat. An agriculture research center on the North Dakota State University campus is plugging plants as an alternative protein source.
The Northern Crops Institute is planning a three-day course this spring to provide information on the basics of plant-based foods and show participants how to produce the best products. The seminar is targeting foodies, restaurateurs, food bloggers and “pretty much anyone with an interest in it,” institute spokesman Grant Christian said.
Many restaurants and fast food chains have recently bolstered their menus with vegetarian offerings. That includes the introduction of meatless tacos, meatless burgers and meatless wings.
“The plant-based protein trend is significant in today’s marketplace,” Christian said. “We’re seeing people gravitate toward these products because of their nutritional and economic benefits.”
The course is scheduled for May 19-21 at the Northern Crops Institute. It will feature crops such as soy, wheat and pulses and include hands-on training in using raw ingredients and developing final products.
The Northern Crops Institute is funded by the states of North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota, as well as commodity groups in those states and Montana. The group promotes domestic and international markets and value-added processing for regional crops.