Huaxin Xu

What will be your Role at Developeat?

Intern of New Product Development

What’s your favorite ingredient to work with and why? Are you secretly a mad scientist in the kitchen?

I absolutely love cooking with hot pepper! Its unique flavor and spice add a delicious kick to any dish, and it’s versatile enough to be used in various cuisines. While I wouldn’t necessarily call myself a mad scientist in the kitchen, I do enjoy experimenting with new recipes and ingredients to create unique and delicious dishes. In fact, I have a particular passion for mixology and love developing my own recipes for cocktails using different beverages and wines to create drinks with various colors and tastes.

What’s the weirdest food you’ve ever eaten in the name of research and development? Was it worth it?

I once tried a protein bar made of insects as part of my research and development. Insects are actually a great source of protein, and the flavor of the protein bar was similar to a regular protein bar. While it was definitely a departure from my usual culinary preferences, I found the experience to be both interesting and enjoyable. Overall, I think it was worth trying something new and expanding my palate.

What’s your go-to sustainable food hack for cooking at home? Do you have a secret ingredient or recipe that you swear by?

One of my go-to sustainable food hacks for cooking at home is to use less meat in my dishes and incorporate more vegetables. Not only does this reduce the carbon footprint of my meals, but it also allows me to experiment with new flavors and textures. When I do want to add some meat to my dishes, I often use mushrooms as a meat substitute since they have a similar texture and mouthfeel. Another sustainable hack I use is to reduce food waste by saving leftovers for future meals. I find this to be an easy way to stretch my food budget while also reducing my environmental impact. As for a secret ingredient or recipe, I have a versatile seasoning that I swear by. It involves pouring hot oil over minced garlic, shallots, and ginger, then adding white sesame seeds, oyster sauce, vinegar, and sesame oil. This seasoning can be added to almost any dish and adds a delicious, savory flavor. I also enjoy boiling vegetables separately and adding them to the seasoning for a simple yet flavorful side dish.

What inspired you to join the Developeat team and work on sustainable food innovation? Are you a foodie at heart or just passionate about the planet?

My passion for both food and the environment inspired me to join the Developeat team. I strongly believe that food has the power to unite people and create meaningful experiences. However, I am also aware of the negative impact that the food industry can have on the environment. As a foodie at heart, I am always eager to experiment and develop new products. Working with the Developeat team allows me to do so while also contributing to a more sustainable food system. I hope to continue innovating and finding new, environmentally friendly products for both personal use and the market.

If you had to describe yourself as a food, what would you be and why? Are you a spicy pepper, a sweet dessert, or a savory snack? Give us the juicy details!

I would say I’m a spicy cheesecake. Because I have a multifaceted personality that combines different elements in unexpected ways. On the outside, I may seem sweet and mild, but once you get to know me, you’ll discover that I have a fiery side as well. I’m not afraid to speak my mind and stand up for what I believe in, even if it means challenging the status quo. At the same time, I have a soft and creamy center that makes me approachable and easy to connect with.