Asian Duckweed, Wolffia globosa, is an Awesome Source of Protein you can grow!

“Edible duckweed, sometimes marketed as water lentils, stands out due to its exceptional macronutrient composition, especially its protein content. On a dry weight basis, some cultivated strains can contain up to 45% protein, which is significantly higher than most common plant-based sources. This protein is considered complete, containing all nine essential amino acids required for human health.

“The presence of all essential amino acids makes duckweed a high-quality protein comparable to animal sources. Beyond protein, the plant offers a beneficial fatty acid profile, with a low overall fat content rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids. Notably, the content of omega-3 fatty acids often exceeds that of omega-6 fatty acids, which is a desirable ratio for supporting cardiovascular health.”

“A remarkable nutritional discovery in certain cultivated strains of Wolffia globosa is the presence of a biologically active form of Vitamin B12. Since B12 is typically only found in animal products, this makes duckweed one of the few known plant-based whole foods to offer this vitamin in a readily absorbable form. This unique combination positions duckweed as a highly nutrient-dense food.”

Before you chow down on duckweed, please read the full article at the link, because there are some cautions, and please be sure you have the right duckweed, as there are several genus and species.

See comments for photo sources and a scientific cultivation report which includes recipes.

If you would like to purchase living Wolffia globosa it may be available on Ebay and Etsy. At the time I looked Etsy had some in stock and Ebay was out of stock. Don’t be surprised, it’s pricey. Also make sure, if you decide to purchase, that you are ordering this species or that you research any other species before you purchase for consumption.

Thanks to Documenting Our Decline, for reminding me about Duckweed. ;)