New Superfood Seaweed That Tastes Like Bacon Discovered by Scientists

First Posted: Jul 15, 2015 07:33 AM EDT

Seaweed doesn't always taste like seaweed. Sometimes, it tastes like bacon. Researchers have patented a new strain of seaweed that, when cooked, actually tastes like bacon.

The new strain of seaweed was created by working with the red marine algae called dulse. This particular seaweed grows very fast and has a lot of protein. The seaweed actually grows wild along both U.S. coasts and, when it's harvested, sells for about $90 per pound.

In this case, though, the researchers created and patented a new strain that they've been growing for the past 15 years. Looking like translucent red lettuce, the seaweed contains about 16 percent protein in dry weight.

"The original food was to create a super food for abalone, because high-quality abalone is treasured, especially in Asia," said Chris Langdon, one of the researchers, in a news release. "We were able to grow dulse-fed abalone at rates that exceeded those previously reported in the literature. There always has been an interest in growing dulse for human consumption, but we originally focused on using dulse as a food for abalone."

Dulse actually has twice the nutritional value of kale. In addition, dulse can be farmed, which could mean a new potential industry for coastal areas.

That said, there are currently no commercial operations that grow dulse for human consumption in the United States. The dulse sold in U.S. health food and nutrition stores is, instead, harvested; in addition, it's a different strain from the one that the researchers developed.

"The dulse grows using a water recirculation system," said Langdon. "Theoretically, you could create an industry in east Oregon almost as easily as you could along the coast with a bit of supplementation. You just need a modest amount of seawater and some sunshine."

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TagsSeaweed, Food, Plant Breeding