Packaging you can eat

It has to be a great idea. Protected product, no mess, no waste. Too good to be true ?

Actually, it might be even better. A gel-based membrane could be washable and contain added nutrients.

So a fruit juice ball could be coated with calcium or a yogurt ball might be moulded around extra vitamins.

Far fetched ? Well, it works in nature for apples and grapes as well as some cheeses. And, apparently, ice cream balls in edible packaging will be on sale in Paris by March 2013.

The idea has been developed by a Harvard professor, David Edwards. Confusingly, the concept is called a WikiCell, but the proof will be in the padding.