I had to take some time out from other projects to update my Arums page, adding a new and very different item - Duckweed. It is used as food in Southeast Asia, but in Africa has been used mainly as highly nutritious animal fodder.
It grows so fast under ideal conditions production ponds have to be harvested daily. Under the name "water lentil", it is being cultivated and processed in various ways. It will be used as an ingredient, not on its own, and is being evaluated by a number of food processors. The grower has self certified as GRAS (Generally Regarded as Safe) and submitted to the FDA for a letter of "no objection".
Duckweed is quite a bit higher in protein than soybeans (and is probably safer), with a balanced mix similar to whey protein. It also provides fiber and many other important nutrients.
It is interesting that the Titan Arum produces the largest flower in the world, up to 15 feet high, while another arum, Wolfia duckweed produces the smallest, at 1/100th inch (0.3mm) long.
Arums
It grows so fast under ideal conditions production ponds have to be harvested daily. Under the name "water lentil", it is being cultivated and processed in various ways. It will be used as an ingredient, not on its own, and is being evaluated by a number of food processors. The grower has self certified as GRAS (Generally Regarded as Safe) and submitted to the FDA for a letter of "no objection".
Duckweed is quite a bit higher in protein than soybeans (and is probably safer), with a balanced mix similar to whey protein. It also provides fiber and many other important nutrients.
It is interesting that the Titan Arum produces the largest flower in the world, up to 15 feet high, while another arum, Wolfia duckweed produces the smallest, at 1/100th inch (0.3mm) long.
Arums