Move over, bacon?

Researchers at Oregon State University are perfecting a seaweed product they think could be a replacement for America's favorite pork garnish.

The OSU group is developing ways to farm, harvest and cook dulse, a nutrition-packed red seaweed that has been harvested and eaten in cold-water climates for centuries.

"The bacon-like taste comes about more in how you prepare it, how you cook it. We've been working with cold-smoked dulse. It brings out more of an umami flavor, kind of a savory, meaty-like flavor that a lot of people associate with bacon," said Michael Morrissey, director of the Oregon State University Food Innovation Center.

The seaweed is found up and down the east and west coasts of the U.S., currently used as feed for farmed abalone and snails.

Superfood Claims

Morrissey said dulse boasts up to 16 percent protein by dry weight. That beats 8 percent for soy milk and 14 percent for cooked eggs. Nearly 70 percent of the calories from pig-based bacon comes from fat.

Like most edible seaweed, dulse is chock full of vitamins and antioxidants.

Morrissey's center teamed up with the OSU business school and a research chef to figure out ways to develop and market the seaweed. They're also experimenting with dulse in peanut brittle, popcorn mix and chips. They plan to introduce dulse crackers and salad oil to a local retailer this fall.

Bountiful Harvest

Researchers are also impressed with the yield of dulse crops. The center is producing about 20 to 30 pounds of the seaweed each week in two large, 1500-gallon tanks at the Hatfield Marine Science Center.

"We think it's the most productive protein source on earth," said Chick Toombs, a marketing instructor at the OSU College of Business, in a promotional video. "It could also go as far as helping to feed the world."

Read More:

• Scientists Discover Seaweed That Tastes Like Bacon But Is Better For You Than Kale (Science Alert)
• Still Squeamish About Eating Seaweed? Here's One That Tastes Like Bacon (TakePart)
• Scientists Develop Seaweed That Tastes Like Bacon (Huffington Post)