The present invention provides novel methods of growing of microorganisms in cell culture media comprising cellulosic material as a carbon source. The present invention further provides novel cell culture media cellulosic material as a carbon source. In certain embodiments, inventive cell culture media substantially lack a carbon source other than cellulosic material (e.g., the media substantially lack glucose and glycerol). In certain embodiments, inventive cell culture media comprise cellulosic material as the sole carbon source.