Huazhong Agricultural University (HZAU) served more than 11,000 healthy graduation meals to graduates and family members at lunchtime on June 14, turning campus research achievements into a warm farewell on the dining table.

The meals were offered at graduation counters in Huiyuan, Taoyuan and Juyuan canteens. Made up of 10 food items developed from eight HZAU research achievements, the meals included Huamoxiang black rice, Huatianyu sweet corn, braised crayfish, braised pork, steamed fish, indigo woad rapeseed greens, navel oranges, tomatoes, corn flakes and a fruit-vegetable drink.

For many graduates, the meal carried personal meaning. Zhang Kaidi, a master's graduate from the College of Plant Science & Technology who had worked on formulating the Huamoxiang black rice variety, said the dish felt "familiar and healthy".

Huang Yunfei, a doctoral graduate from the College of Food Science & Technology, said he was proud to see HZAU's research strength "land on the dining table".

The meals reflects the work of several research teams in black rice breeding, crayfish farming, indigo woad rapeseed, citrus breeding, black pig breeding and making improvements to sweet corn. HZAU Party Secretary Yao Jianglin and HZAU President Yan Jianbing also joined the graduates for lunch.

Teachers said they hoped graduates would continue with their practical research and innovation, bringing HZAU's agricultural science to broader fields.

Graduates and families share a science-backed farewell meal on campus. [Photo/new.hzau.edu.cn]

Staff prepare the graduation meal for students and families. [Photo/new.hzau.edu.cn]

The meal showcases food developed from HZAU research achievements. [Photo/new.hzau.edu.cn]