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U.S. researchers grow seaweed that tastes like bacon

Xinhua, July 16, 2015 Adjust font size:

Researchers with Oregon State University (OSU) in the U.S. Pacific Northwest have created and patented a new strain of seaweed that tastes like bacon.

The succulent red marine algae, called dulse, grows quickly and is rich in protein. Chris Langdon at OSU's Hatfield Marine Science Center said it contains up to 16 percent protein in dry weight.

It is also an excellent source of minerals, vitamins and antioxidants.

Langdon, a professor in the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, has been growing dulse for the past 15 years, according to a news release from OSU.

"The original goal was to create a super-food for abalone, because high-quality abalone is treasured, especially in Asia," he was quoted as explaining. "There always has been an interest in growing dulse for human consumption, but we originally focused on using dulse as a food for abalone."

"We were able to grow dulse-fed abalone at rates that exceeded those previously reported in the literature," he said.

Now with two large tanks in which the researchers can grow about 20-30 pounds (9-14 kilograms) of dulse a week, Langdon has plans to increase the weekly production to 100 pounds (45 kilograms).

"Dulse is a super-food, with twice the nutritional value of kale," said Chuck Toombs, a faculty member in OSU's College of Business. "OSU had developed this variety that can be farmed, with the potential for a new industry for Oregon."

"The dulse grows using a water recirculation system," Langdon said. "Theoretically, you could create an industry in eastern 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."

Dulse grows in the wild along the Pacific and Atlantic coastlines of the United States. It is usually sold in dried form as a cooking ingredient or nutritional supplement.

"There hasn't been a lot of interest in using it in a fresh form," Langdon said. "But this stuff is pretty amazing. When you fry it, which I have done, it tastes like bacon, not seaweed. And it's a pretty strong bacon flavor." Endi