Part 5/11:
Integrating Traditional and Modern: Saline Agriculture Innovations
A dramatic part of Chris’s exploration involves saline agriculture—the cultivation of crops on salt-affected lands using seawater. In Portugal, he visits salt marshes and farms cultivating salicornia (sea asparagus), a halophyte thriving on salt water, which can be used in cuisine and industry.
Salicornia is promising; it tolerates high salinity, requires no additional freshwater or fertilizers, and is edible with a flavor reminiscent of grapes or herbs. The cultivation process involves controlled irrigation and minimal intervention, making it an environmentally friendly crop suited for rising sea environments. These saline crops potentially serve as sustainable, high-value ingredients in future coastal kitchens.