"Study: Common Plant Offers Solution to Food Insecurity"

Researchers at Penn State have found that Carolina azolla, a fast-growing water plant native to the eastern U.S., holds great potential for addressing food insecurity. The plant can double its biomass in two days, capture nitrogen from the air, and be used as a valuable green fertilizer, as well as a source of food for humans, poultry, and livestock. The study revealed that the Carolina strain of azolla is more digestible and nutritious for humans than other varieties, and cooking methods can further reduce its phenolic content. This research highlights the potential of Carolina azolla as a resilient food source for both disaster scenarios and regular agricultural use.