EU approves duckweed as a new source of plant-based protein

The European Union has authorized the use of duckweed (Lemna minor) as a novel food, opening up opportunities for its commercial cultivation and application in the food industry. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has assessed the safety of the plant for human consumption. Duckweed is expected to become a promising alternative source of plant-based protein in the European market.

Duckweed is a fast-growing aquatic plant already consumed as food in some Asian countries. Scientists at Wageningen University & Research in the Netherlands have studied its potential for nearly a decade under the leadership of Ingrid van der Meer. According to their estimates, duckweed cultivation can produce more than six times as much protein per hectare as soybeans. At the same time, the plant does not require conventional agricultural land and can be grown under controlled conditions without the use of crop protection products.

Another major advantage of duckweed is its exceptionally rapid growth. Under favorable conditions, its biomass can double approximately every three days, allowing for frequent harvesting. Researchers estimate that harvesting once or twice a week is sufficient to maintain high productivity. Since duckweed can be cultivated in specialized water-based systems, production can even be organized in urban environments.

Duckweed has considerable potential for use in the food industry. Researchers are exploring opportunities to market it as a vegetable, freeze it in portion-sized cubes similar to spinach, and incorporate it into pasta, smoothies, salads and bakery products. Its high protein content and versatility could make the plant attractive to manufacturers of plant-based foods.

Scientists are currently working to improve packaging and storage technologies needed to bring duckweed to the mass market. According to Ingrid van der Meer, the researchers aim to see the product on European supermarket shelves within the next three years. Growing demand for alternative protein sources and more environmentally sustainable food production methods could support the development of a new segment in the European food market.

Tags: EU, duckweed, Lemna minor