A Natural Superfood from the Ria de Aveiro
What is Salicornia?
- Salicornia, often referred to as "sea asparagus" or "glasswort," is a nutrient-dense, edible plant that thrives in coastal salt marshes and wetlands. Its naturally salty and slightly crunchy texture makes it a popular ingredient in health-conscious and gourmet cuisines.
- As a sustainable crop with minimal environmental impact, Salicornia has gained recognition as both a culinary delicacy and a health-boosting superfood.
Where Does Salicornia Come From?
- One of the largest and most renowned producers of salicornia in Europe is the Ria de Aveiro, located in Portugal. This vast lagoon system, rich in marine biodiversity, provides the perfect environment for cultivating salicornia. The region’s unique mix of salt marshes and tidal waters creates ideal conditions for this resilient plant to grow naturally and sustainably.
- The cultivation of salicornia in the Ria de Aveiro is deeply connected to the region's maritime heritage. Local producers harvest the plant by hand, respecting traditional methods while ensuring environmental preservation. Its popularity has transformed Aveiro into a leading hub for Salicornia farming and export in Europe.
Discovery of Salicornia’s Benefits:
- The health benefits of salicornia have been recognized for centuries. Historically, coastal communities harvested salicornia as a food source and even used it in traditional medicine. However, its nutritional potential gained scientific attention only in recent decades.
- Researchers discovered that salicornia is a powerhouse of essential minerals such as magnesium, potassium, calcium, and iron. It’s also rich in antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins A, C, and E, making it a valuable addition to any diet.
- Its ability to thrive in salt-rich environments allows it to absorb essential minerals from the soil, which directly benefits those who consume it.
Salicornia from the Ria de Aveiro is more than just a plant—it’s a natural gift that blends nutrition, sustainability, and culinary excellence. Its unique combination of health benefits, eco-friendly cultivation, and versatile use in cooking makes it a must-have ingredient for anyone looking to adopt a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle.
By choosing Salicornia, you’re not only enhancing your diet but also supporting a product with deep cultural and environmental significance from the heart of Portugal’s Ria de Aveiro. 🌿💧
The Health Benefits of Salicornia
Salicornia is an asparagus-like superfood that grows along the coasts of Asia, Europe, and North America. Also known as Samphire, Sea Asparagus, Crow's foot, or Sea beans, Salicornia is a member of the halophyte family giving it the rare ability to tolerate salt water environments.
In the 17th century, Salicornia was consumed by sailors who believed it could boost their immune systems. It was also used in Korean traditional medicine to improve digestion and treat diabetes. But what are its true benefits?
Pure Salicornia
Today, labs have identified Vitamin B3, Vitamin C, Magnesium, Calcium, Iodine, Potassium, Chlorophyll and other bioavailable nutrients in Salicornia. Researchers have also discovered a number of health benefits:
- Several studies have identified antioxidant (Kim 2009), anti‐inflammatory (Kang 2013), antidiabetic (Park 2006), and anticancer activities (Kong 2008).
- (Zhang 2015) investigated the effects of salt derived from Salicornia on blood pressure in rats. Notably, the results showed that, while common salt induced high blood pressure, the Salicornia salt did not. Despite both groups of rats receiving the same amount of sodium, the salicornia rats were protected against hypertension and oxidative stress.
These studies suggest that 17th century sailors and Korean folk doctors weren't far off from the truth. With evidence for the health benefits of Salicornia growing, the future looks bright for this salty and tasty plant.
Want to see how Salicornia can benefit your health? Green Salt is made from 100% dehydrated organic Salicornia. You can use Green Salt to replace your cooking salt in any dish!
Let customers speak for us
A healthy switch I actually enjoy. No compromises on taste.
Tastes fantastic and I feel better knowing it's good for my heart.
This has replaced regular salt in our home. Great flavour and much healthier.
The flavour is amazing and knowing it's healthier is a huge bonus!
Great quality, fresh and full of natural taste.
I’ve tried many salt alternatives, but this one tastes amazing.
Highly recommend it to anyone watching their sodium levels.
Delivers flavour and peace of mind. Great for blood pressure.