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Research Zurich, Switzerland

Food innovation in your kitchen: Giving peas, beans and lentils a new bite

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a simple freeze‑structuring method that turns whole peas, beans and lentils into fibrous products by soaking, heating, and directional freezing. The technique preserves the legumes’ nutritional value and works with 96 % of worldwide legume species, offering a versatile, low‑processing alternative to conventional food production. The process can be performed with just water and a freezer, making it accessible for home kitchens.

Published
1 Sept 2026
2 min read 1 source
Intelligence brief
Zurich, Switzerland / Research
CH

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a simple freeze‑structuring method that turns whole peas, beans and lentils into fibrous products by soaking, heating, and directional freezing. The technique preserves the legumes’ nutritional value and works with 96 % of worldwide legume species, offering a versatile, low‑processing alternative to conventional food production. The process can be performed with just water and a freezer, making it accessible for home kitchens.

Why it matters

The Swiss‑based study showcases a sustainable food technology that aligns with Switzerland’s AI‑driven focus on optimizing food processing and reducing waste, offering opportunities for AI to model and enhance texture and recipe development.

Primary source record
ETH Zurich News

Original source record. Open the original record to verify the underlying announcement.

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