Since duckweed is the common name for a few different plants, I need to clarify upfront that we’re talking about Wolffia globosa duckweed. I’m not entirely sure that it grows around here, which is usually one of my criteria for writing on an herb. Unfortunately, “here” at the very beginning of fall it looks like winter is right around the corner, and I may not be taking any trips to area ponds to investigate whether they have any duckweed growing.
And why has duckweed captured my interest?
Earlier this week, Anonymous posted a comment on an article I wrote about 18 months ago, “Your Neighbor’s Vitamins After the Crash,” which covered some of the vitamins we can obtain from the weeds growing all around us. I noted at the time that there are very few plant-based sources for vitamin B12. (I hate the use of the “plant-based” buzzword. Products that have been around for decades now proudly proclaim that they are “plant-based.” Ridiculous.) The exception is some species of seaweed. Which isn’t of great comfort to those of us in flyover country. Almost all natural sources of vitamin B12 come from animals—meat, milk, eggs, etc. Which is fine as long as we don’t run out, and which we prepare to be sure doesn’t happen to us.
However, others don’t prepare to the extent that we do. Their choice. The idea behind “Your Neighbor’s Vitamins After the Crash” was to be able to direct others to which plants would meet needs for essential vitamins that may be lacking in their post-apocalyptic diets. Unfortunately, we didn’t have anything besides seaweed to suggest for vitamin B12. Until Anonymous posted a link to an article on duckweed.
Turns out, duckweed is an excellent (plant-based!) source of vitamin B12, with a 100-gram serving (probably best taken in a smoothie) providing about 20% of the recommended dietary allowance for adults. Unfortunately, it would be virtually impossible for those whose bodies require supplementation (due to age or medication use) to eat enough. Duckweed is also a terrific source of protein (plant-based!), comparable to eggs.
What does duckweed look like and where do you find it?
The tiny (like < 1 mm diameter) green plants grow in calm waters like ponds and slow-moving streams.
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And they sometimes grow thickly enough to look like a lush green carpet on the water. Which is what our dog Wrecks much have thought when he jumped from the ledge above to the “grass” a few feet below and was quick shocked to find himself paddling in the water.
He wasn’t amused.
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No, that's a swan, I think. Hard to tell for certain. Wrecks' adventure was about 30 years ago; he's long since passed. But it's a fun memory we have of him.
References:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7600829/
Links to related posts:
https://cookedbytaste.com/how-do-you-eat-duckweed/
ReplyDeleteDuckweed is very popular in Asia. Given that meat and milk are very expensive, and I don't remember milk and cheese being an Asian thing.
Why pray tell did you say this?
Unfortunately, it would be virtually impossible for those whose bodies require supplementation (due to age or medication use) to eat enough.
So how much do you need to eat of the duckweed to cover your bodies lack of processing B12?
The symptoms in your Vitamin B12 article are alarming enough for me to keep my body topped off.
Eventually your supply of Vitamin B12 you stored will end. Hopefully you'll have enough eggs, milk and meat in production.
Meanwhile I've eaten duckweed often enough in Asia and find it mildly spinach, cabbage like to my tastebuds.
Just make sure like fish and crawdads that the water quality is good. Cooking it adding it near the end of the soup-stew-casserole is recommended to preserve B12.
One cup of Duckweed is around 238.1 grams and contains approximately 102.4 calories, 7.4 grams of protein, 1.9 grams of fat, and 12.9 grams of carbohydrates.
Duckweed is a tiny, floating aquatic plant known for its vibrant green color and rapid growth. Packed with nutrients, it’s rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals, making it a staple in various cuisines, particularly in Southeast Asia. Often enjoyed in soups and stir-fries, it adds a unique texture and flavor. Health-wise, duckweed is considered a superfood due to its high antioxidant content and ability to support digestion. However, it’s essential to source it from clean waters to avoid contaminants. Versatile and nutritious, duckweed is a fascinating addition to any dish.