Scientists Discover Seaweed That Tastes Like Bacon & Is Healthier Than Kale

Researchers at Oregon State University's Hatfield Marine Science Center have discovered a new strain of red marine algae, known as dulse, that apparently tastes like bacon when cooked. The scientists were cultivating the seaweed to feed their sea snails, but because the plant grows at a rate of about 20 to 30 pounds per week, they used the excess to collaborate with research chefs at OSU’s Food Innovation Center in Portland. Now they're hoping to incorporate the superfood's "distinctly bacon-y flavor" into everything from a dulse-based rice cracker to salad dressing. Okay, so two things: First of all, OSU sounds awesome. You can hang out with snails and then go down the hall to hang and cook with experimental chefs — what's not to like?! Second of all, I feel like I suffered through eating dulse at a macrobiotic restaurant not too long ago, and it didn’t taste anything like bacon — but I could be wrong. Regardless, if this is true I foresee a huge food trend coming our way. Maybe one day we’ll even see seaweed jerky at gas stations instead of beef jerky...