A bitter, natural compound found in cinchona bark that absorbs invisible ultraviolet light and transforms it into a brilliant, glowing blue. In the bioluminescent kitchen, chefs use it to plate dazzling, glowing desserts and drinks that light up under a blacklight.

The science of the glow
Plating the light
The future of glowing dining
YOUR GOAL
Master of The bioluminescent kitchen
A bitter, natural compound found in cinchona bark that absorbs invisible ultraviolet light and transforms it into a brilliant, glowing blue. In the bioluminescent kitchen, chefs use it to plate dazzling, glowing desserts and drinks that light up under a blacklight.
streetspirit Plating the Light
An ocean-born protein that glows in the dark, We plate up the light with a brilliant blue spark.

streetspirit Heat can destroy the delicate proteins responsible for bioluminescence.

streetspirit Swipe marine proteins into recipes to discover how microalgae make food glow without altering flavor.
Glowing pH tonics: Pouring acidic citrus into this bioluminescent marine protein drink changes its color and glow intensity, 'plating the light' in your glass without altering the flavor.

The arrangement and presentation of food on a plate for serving. In 2017, Spanish chef Ángel León began presenting glowing marine plankton on dishes at his restaurant, Aponiente.

streetspirit Bartenders use kinetic energy to activate microalgae in liquid drinks.
Glowing ice cream: In 2013, inventor Charlie Francis created a glowing ice cream using synthesized jellyfish protein that lit up when licked.

At what temperature Celsius do most bioluminescent proteins begin to lose their structure?
What did inventor Charlie Francis use in 2013 to make ice cream glow when licked?
In which cities were some of the first experimental 'glowing sushi' dinners hosted in 2014?
What physical action triggers the bioluminescent glow of microalgae in a cocktail?

