Salicornia, a succulent, is already being used as a salt replacement in burger patties—a rare farming success in the oil-rich United Arab Emirates, which imports nearly all of its food
A worker inspects succulent salicornia plants growing on a farm in the desert outside the Gulf emirate of Dubai A worker inspects succulent salicornia plants growing on a farm in the desert outside the Gulf emirate of Dubai Photography Karim Sahib / AFP
A hardy plant grown using salt water is thriving in the UAE's desert farms and helping create "healthy" burgers, showing sustainable agriculture's potential in the toughest conditions.
Salicornia, a succulent, is already being used as a salt replacement in burger patties -- a rare farming success in the oil-rich United Arab Emirates, which imports nearly all of its food.
"You have the salty flavour with less sodium, but you also have other benefits," said Tina Siegismund, head of marketing and innovation at UAE-based Global Food Industries, a frozen food manufacturer.
The asparagus-like plant reduces sodium content by 40 percent in the company's healthy burgers, which also contain chicken, quinoa and kale.
Native to parts of North America, Europe, South Africa and South Asia, the plant is ideal for the UAE's inhospitable climate, and contains anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, according to Siegismund.