Gene Edited Salad Coming Soon

North Carolina-based gene-editing startup, Pairwise, is using Crispr's technology to enhance the taste and palatability of nutrient-dense leafy greens. By pinpointing and editing specific parts of the genome, the company successfully removed the gene responsible for the peppery taste in mustard greens while maintaining their nutrient density.



A Healthier Alternative to Traditional Greens

Traditionally, the piquant flavor of mustard greens is eliminated through cooking. However, with Pairwise's gene-edited mustard greens, consumers can now enjoy the nutritional benefits of these greens in salads without the overpowering pungency. The aim is to offer a healthier alternative to commonly used greens like iceberg and butter lettuce.

Expansion and Availability

Pairwise plans to launch its greens initially in select restaurants in Minneapolis (St. Paul region), St. Louis, Missouri, and Springfield, Massachusetts. The company intends to make the gene-edited greens available on grocery store shelves in the Pacific Northwest during the summer.

The Potential of Gene Editing

Crispr's gene-editing capabilities, in use since 2012, hold great potential for enhancing crops and addressing world hunger. Pairwise's achievement in modifying mustard greens is a notable step in utilizing this technology to improve food options. The ultimate goal is to contribute to global nutrition.

Differentiating Gene Editing from GMOs

It's important to note that gene editing, as employed by Crispr, differs from genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Gene editing modifies an organism's own genes without incorporating genetic material from other species, unlike GMOs. The process is faster and allows for the creation of new plant varieties in a shorter timeframe. Pairwise successfully made their gene-edited mustard greens market-ready in just four years.

Regulatory Approval and Future Prospects

In 2020, Pairwise's gene-edited mustard greens received approval from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and obtained a green light from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). With regulatory support in place, it's only a matter of time before gene-edited salads become available at grocery stores nationwide.