Duckweed Becomes Officially Approved as a Food Product Within the EU

Duckweed, also known as water lentils, has been officially approved for consumption within the EU by the European Food Safety Authority. This plant, which can produce high amounts of protein per hectare and grows rapidly, is seen as a sustainable and efficient vegetable for cultivation. Ingrid van der Meer of Wageningen University & Research has been instrumental in researching and promoting the consumption of water lentils, highlighting their potential as a food staple due to their sustainability and nutritional benefits.

While water lentils are currently not cultivated commercially within the EU, there is ongoing research to produce them sustainably, safely, and hygienically. Taste panels have responded positively to dishes made with water lentils, which are described as having a plant-like, slightly nutty flavor. However, it may take some time before the vegetable becomes widely available in supermarkets, as food companies need to be convinced of its market potential. Meanwhile, companies like Plantible Foods in the US are already working on extracting protein from lemna for various food functionalities and have raised significant funds to scale their operations.