I didn't believe it when I first came across the reports but it turns out there is some truth behind it. Researchers at Oregon State University have been growing a specific strain of seaweed called dulse for the past 15 years which when fried tastes like bacon!
It grows wild on the Pacific and Atlantic coast lines but researchers have been able to cultivate this specific strain of seaweed with impressive results. They have two large tanks at their research facility which can grow between 20-30lbs of the stuff in about a week and they are hoping to increase production up to 100lbs per week soon. Originally they were growing it as a food source for abalone, a type of sea snail which is valued in Asia, but now thoughts are turning to high scale food production for the seaweed itself.
Dried dulse sells for approximately $90 per pound as a cooking ingredient or nutritional supplement. Currently it is used in Europe as an addition to smoothies and flaked into cooking. Nutrition wise it has a lot more nutrient benefits than it's flavor counterpart bacon and it's even still a surprising source of protein ( about 16% protein per dry weight). Both bacon lovers and vegans can rejoice a like!
Don't expect to see bacon seaweed rolling out at your local grocery stores anytime soon. There is still a lot more work to be done to make it sustainable in the ever expanding food market. Soon my bacon loving friends though. Soon. You can however buy the dried form online from some retailers. I plan on purchasing some as an experiment.
It grows wild on the Pacific and Atlantic coast lines but researchers have been able to cultivate this specific strain of seaweed with impressive results. They have two large tanks at their research facility which can grow between 20-30lbs of the stuff in about a week and they are hoping to increase production up to 100lbs per week soon. Originally they were growing it as a food source for abalone, a type of sea snail which is valued in Asia, but now thoughts are turning to high scale food production for the seaweed itself.
Dried dulse sells for approximately $90 per pound as a cooking ingredient or nutritional supplement. Currently it is used in Europe as an addition to smoothies and flaked into cooking. Nutrition wise it has a lot more nutrient benefits than it's flavor counterpart bacon and it's even still a surprising source of protein ( about 16% protein per dry weight). Both bacon lovers and vegans can rejoice a like!
Don't expect to see bacon seaweed rolling out at your local grocery stores anytime soon. There is still a lot more work to be done to make it sustainable in the ever expanding food market. Soon my bacon loving friends though. Soon. You can however buy the dried form online from some retailers. I plan on purchasing some as an experiment.
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