Researchers at Oregon State University have been able to patent a strain of red seaweed that, when fried, tastes and smells like bacon.
The seaweed, officially called dulce, can be grown in bulk supplies, says researcher Chris Langdon. "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."
Seaweed has become a part of European diets, mainly in the form of powders, but Langdon and other researchers are hoping that it becomes a part of an Oregon diet, if not a U.S. diet.
The current trendy food is kale, but the researchers claim that dulce has "twice the nutritional value of kale."
It is unknown if, or when, the new strain will be available in restaurants and stores nationwide.
H/T The Independent