Chilean food company NotCo has developed a popular meal in Latin America and Asia, called turtle soup, that closely mimics the taste without using any parts of the endangered reptile. By harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI), the company aims to raise awareness about the plight of these turtles. Bernardo Moltedo, the leading scientist at NotCo, described the project as an impactful endeavor aimed at helping endangered species, specifically focusing on turtle soup. After several years of research, the company utilized an AI program to analyze 300, 000 plants and generate 260 quintillion combinations. Eventually, they discovered a blend of five plant-based proteins that most accurately replicated the flavor of turtle meat. Currently, both the plant-based turtle meat and the soup are not available for purchase.

However, NotCo has plans to conduct an online class to educate individuals on how to prepare this unique dish. Operating in 12 countries, NotCo specializes in creating plant-based alternatives such as hamburgers, milk, mayonnaise, and ice cream. These innovative food products closely resemble their traditional animal-based counterparts in terms of taste and texture. Green turtles, the primary source for traditional turtle soup, are listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. This status is primarily due to pollution, extreme weather, and fishing activities. Exploitation of these sea turtles is prohibited in most countries worldwide. Nevertheless, turtle soup remains highly sought after in Asia and Latin America, including countries like China, Mexico, Peru, and Malaysia. This article was reported by Juan Casas for Reuters and adapted by John Russell for VOA Learning English.