Sharjah: UAE-based Global Food Industries (GFI), part of the Albatha Group, has teamed up with the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) to create a new line of Salicornia-based burgers for health-conscious consumers.
ICBA is a non-profit agricultural research institution with a unique responsibility to find, evaluate, and promote crops and technologies that are most suited to different locations afflicted by salt, water shortage, and drought. It has been working with local farmers in the UAE to grow Salicornia via an effort funded by Expo 2020 Dubai’s Live Innovation Grant Program
Salicornia, a salt-loving plant, is produced using reject brine from inland desalination units. This nutrient-dense native vegetable can withstand heat, drought, and salinity, and thrives in the UAE region.
Sharing insights into the initiative, Mr. Ahmed Bayoumi, CEO GFI remarked that, “Our R&D team has been working tirelessly to come up with products that cater to the current demand for a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle among consumers. Our partnership with ICBA is a coming together of two organizations committed to innovation, excellence, and sustainability. This healthy range of burgers under our Al Areseh brand is further proof of our commitment to bring consumers with innovative products that are intrinsic to our brand ethos.”
“Salicornia is completely safe for human consumption which is why we are focusing on building public awareness and increasing consumers’ knowledge about the nutritional benefits of Salicornia-based food products. We are optimistic that the launch of the new burger has the potential to transform the UAE’s burgeoning home-grown crops sector,” commented Dr. Dionysia Angeliki Lyra, Halophyte Agronomist, Directorate of Programs, ICBA.
Salicornia is rich in immunity-building properties and a good source of vitamins and minerals. Salicornia is a natural antioxidant that can help you save up to 40 percent on salt in your recipes.
Other superfood components like Quinoa and Kale are also used in the new burgers, making them tastier and more nutritious. They have 25 percent more protein, 4 times more calcium, 12 times less fat, and 90 percent fewer calories than traditional chicken burgers, according to the statement.
The burgers will be unveiled this month and will be available in regular and spicy versions.
Most Read: Major Milestone; Expo 2020 wins ISO Certification for Sustainability