The weeks fly by! This is already the 9th edition of this newsletter. Thank you to all who have taken the time to read it and especially those who have given feedback and suggested ways to improve it. I’m thinking about implementing a number of these after next weeks edition (I had ten planned from day one). It seemed to me that there was a place for deep dives into AI, the most transformative and disruptive technology of my lifetime. I wanted a medium to share, inform and hopefully cause you to stop, ponder and not just let this coming tsunami happen to you. By shining a light on AI I’m hoping that I can achieve that. Anyway, changes afoot following feedback. In the meantime, please enjoy this issue. Oh, and if you could take the time to drop me a note, I’d really appreciate it. Welcome to The Food Issue, in case you were wondering what the picture above related to. Although the news is well, just news, the rest of the issue has a very definite food theme to it. Enjoy!

News

Microsoft increases its water consumption by 34%: Who would have thought that AI would drink so much water. Apparently cooling the supercomputers that run OpenAI’s ChatGPT takes a serious amount of water. Obviously myriad environmental concerns. Read the report here

Coca Cola launches new mystery flavour: So what? I hear you say. Well this flavour has been developed in collaboration with AI. Y3000 has its flavour profile developed by AI and is the taste of the future. Apparently. Read all about it here

Claude 2 announces Pro version to compete with ChatGPT Plus: Anthropic, creators of the highly regarded Claude 2 chatbot have this week launched a paid plan in the US and UK. At $20 (£18) this places it in a square fight with ChatGPT for users wallets. Read about the announcement and features here

Big Tech signs up to voluntary AI guidelines: Adobe, IBM and NVIDIA are amongst eight big tech companies that have joined Google, OpenAI, Meta and Microsoft to sign up to the US voluntary code of conduct in early signs that the tech leaders are not against regulation. Get the article here

Stable Audio launches text to music: In a move that is so good its scary, Stable Audio, part of the StabilityAI group, has launched a text to music generator. I’m loving the trance/Ibiza vibe that I’m writing this to now. Check it out here

Just One Thing: Food

Recent innovations like Amazon One's hand scanners for payment in Whole Foods - yes, you pay just by placing your hand over a scanner - ignited my curiosity about the future of food shopping. It's an intriguing notion to consider how artificial intelligence (AI) could transform not only how we plan, buy but also how we prepare meals. Here is a vision of farm to fork, where AI enhances, rather than replaces, the pleasures and intricacies of food.

Personalised Meal Planning

Imagine starting your day with a custom weekly meal plan made just for you by an AI assistant. This AI-powered virtual nutritionist would factor in your health goals, dietary restrictions, food preferences, and schedule to simplify the concept of eating well. While this hands over some control of your food choices, it becomes a valuable asset in achieving your health aims. Would you be willing to make that trade? I think I would.

AI Optimised Shopping

With your customised menu in hand, the app generates an optimised grocery list that not only streamlines your shopping but also saves you money. It identifies the freshest seasonal produce and best deals across various stores. In-store, an AI-powered cart could guide you along the most efficient route through the aisles. Shops capture so much data about us, particularly if we subscribe to their loyalty programmes, that you can envision a future where stores could optimise their offers to you on the fly, as you wander around the store.

Sustainable Supply Chains 

For suppliers, AI analytics offer unprecedented tools for demand forecasting, shortage prevention, and waste reduction. Advanced algorithms can analyse historical sales data, seasonal trends, and even social media chatter to predict what products will be in demand. The result is a resilient, eco-friendly food system that adjusts in real-time to supply chain shifts.

Convenient Deliveries

Your shopping is loaded into autonomous vehicles equipped with AI navigation. This ensures quicker, safer deliveries right to your doorstep. While this does enhance convenience and reduces both traffic and carbon emissions, it could also displace delivery drivers. The loss of jobs is an inevitable consequence of this kind of disruptive revolution. We will need to, as a society, figure out how to ensure everybody has enough money to not only survive but thrive. That’s for another time!

Streamlined Cooking 

Once home, smart appliances equipped with AI features will simplify your cooking process. Scan your ingredients, and these appliances sync the nutritional data directly to your health app. Fridges, ovens, and even blenders could auto-adjust their settings to align with your chosen recipes. While the technology is a boon, it isn't without pitfalls. Possible tech disruptions, like software glitches or connectivity issues, could add a layer of complexity but are generally solvable with software updates.

The Human Element

While AI can bring unparalleled efficiency to our kitchens, it's crucial to remember that the human aspect of cooking and dining is irreplaceable. The emotional connection, cultural heritage, and social bonds that are expressed through preparing and sharing meals persist way beyond the reaches of automation.

What I have tried to do here is to extrapolate the existing technologies we have in place and supplement this with a little bit of imagination to paint an enriching picture of how AI could elevate our relationship with food. By employing AI as an assistant rather than a substitute, we open up invaluable time for meaningful interactions and experiences around the table. That seems like something I would be happy to sign up to.

Remember When…

This household appliance revolutionised the way we approached food. Coupled with the freezer, this device changed society and the way we eat. I’m talking of course about the microwave oven.

The 1980s were a transformative decade for technology and culture, marking the rise of personal computers, video games, and of course, the microwave oven. Introduced to mainstream households during this era, the microwave oven had a profound impact that went far beyond the culinary realm.

Before the microwave, preparing a meal was a time-consuming process, often requiring meticulous planning and hours of hands-on involvement. When I bought my first microwave in 1985, it quickly became apparent that we were now in an era of unprecedented convenience. Food that once took an hour or more to prepare was ready in a matter of minutes.

Microwaves not only accelerated cooking times but also gave birth to an entirely new category of food: the ready meal. Gone were the days of elaborate preparation for each dinner. Now, an entire industry sprang up around meals that could be prepared and eaten with minimal effort, thanks to microwave technology.

Perhaps the most enduring legacy of the microwave is its sociological impact. Prior to its mass adoption, women were primarily responsible for meal preparation, often restricting their participation in the workforce. The microwave made it feasible for women to batch prepare meals, freeze them, and cook them quickly upon returning home. This newfound convenience made it easier for millions of women to enter and remain in the workforce, shifting societal norms and contributing to economic growth.

Despite its transformative power, the microwave wasn't without its detractors. One of my earliest memories involves my stepfather warning us to leave the room when the microwave was operating, due to fears of radiation. Although these concerns were largely unfounded, they did contribute to a sense of mystique around the new technology.

Today, microwaves are ubiquitous, and their applications have grown far beyond merely reheating leftovers or popping popcorn. Modern iterations are equipped with smart technology, including pre-set cooking functions, energy-efficient modes, and even AI algorithms that adapt to cooking habits, getting more efficient over time and use. Despite advancements in cooking technology and AI-driven kitchen appliances, the microwave remains a staple, a testament to its lasting impact.

The microwave oven serves as a compelling example of how technology can have ripple effects across various facets of life, from accelerating meal preparation to enabling social change. As we consider the future impact of AI on our daily lives, the humble microwave stands as a reminder of how even straightforward technological advancements can trigger significant shifts in lifestyle, culture, and economy.

Practical Prompts…

Given that this has become an issue dedicated to food, I thought it worthwhile to interact with my friendly AI chef, Gordon Blanc from issue 2 of the newsletter to create the perfect carrot cake recipe for you to try at home. Enjoy!

Me: Hi Gordon, I'd like to come up with the perfect recipe and method for a carrot cake that I can cut into individual rectangular portions. It should be enough to serve 8 people. Please give your measurements in metric.

Gordon: Certainly, I'd be happy to provide you with a delicious carrot cake recipe that you can cut into individual rectangular portions to serve 8 people. Here are the measurements in metric units:

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 250 grams (2 cups) all-purpose flour

• 200 grams (1 cup) granulated sugar

• 150 ml (2/3 cup) vegetable oil

• 3 large eggs

• 200 grams (about 2 cups) grated carrots (about 3-4 medium-sized carrots)

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 100 grams (1 cup) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

• 100 grams (1/2 cup) raisins or chopped dried apricots (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 250 grams (1 cup) cream cheese, softened

• 60 grams (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, softened

• 250 grams (2 cups) powdered sugar (icing sugar)

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

  Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line a rectangular baking pan, approximately 20x20 cm (8x8 inches), with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs until well combined and slightly fluffy.

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.

• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

• Stir in the grated carrots, vanilla extract, and, if desired, the chopped nuts and raisins or dried apricots.

• Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly.

• Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

• Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, using the parchment paper overhang, lift the cake out of the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack.

• While the cake is cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.

• Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until the frosting is well combined and has a smooth consistency.

• Once the cake has cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of the cake.

• Refrigerate the frosted cake for at least 30 minutes to allow the frosting to set.

• After chilling, use a sharp knife to cut the cake into individual rectangular portions. You should be able to get 8 equal servings.

• Serve and enjoy your homemade carrot cake!

This carrot cake is wonderfully moist and flavorful, and the cream cheese frosting adds the perfect balance of sweetness. You can garnish each rectangular portion with additional chopped nuts or grated carrots if you like.

Me: Are there any other flavours/ingredients that I could add to the mix to give it a completely different taste whilst still remaining true the ethos of the carrot cake. Also, If I wanted to make the sponge carrot coloured (orange obviously), how would I do that?

Gordon: Certainly, you can experiment with additional flavors and ingredients to give your carrot cake a unique twist while staying true to the essence of a carrot cake. Here are some ideas:

1. Citrus Zest: Add the zest of an orange or lemon to the batter. Citrus zest can brighten up the flavor of the cake and complement the earthy sweetness of the carrots.

2. Coconut: Incorporate shredded coconut into the batter for a tropical twist. You can use sweetened or unsweetened coconut, depending on your preference.

3. Pineapple: Include crushed pineapple (well-drained) in the batter for a tropical carrot cake. The pineapple adds moisture and a hint of tartness.

4. Dried Fruits: Alongside or instead of raisins, consider using dried cranberries, chopped dried apricots, or even chopped dates for extra sweetness and texture.

5. Spices: Play with different spices to change the flavor profile. For example, you can add a pinch of cardamom or allspice in addition to the traditional cinnamon and nutmeg.

6. Nuts: Besides walnuts or pecans, you can use other nuts like almonds or macadamia nuts for a distinct flavor.

To make the sponge carrot-colored (orange), you can follow these steps:

1. Use Carrot Juice or Puree: Replace a portion of the liquid (e.g., some of the vegetable oil) with carrot juice or puree. Carrot puree is made by steaming or boiling carrots until they're soft, then blending them until smooth. This will not only add color but also enhance the carrot flavor.

2. Natural Food Coloring: If you want a more vibrant orange color, you can use natural food coloring made from ingredients like beet juice or turmeric. Be sure to use a small amount and adjust until you achieve the desired hue.

3. Carrot Powder: Some specialty stores sell carrot powder, which can be added to the dry ingredients to enhance the color and flavor.

Remember to balance any additional wet ingredients with dry ones to maintain the cake's texture and consistency. Feel free to combine different flavor additions for a truly unique carrot cake experience. Enjoy your baking experiment!

Me: Thanks, I’ll give this a try…

So, that was the food issue! I hope that you’ll try the carrot cake with some of the more exotic pairings and colourings. Please let me know how you get on. You can contact me directly on X at @bornanalog1 or email me at [email protected]. Thanks for taking the time to read this issue, I really appreciate your support.