Research

Halophytes, climate-resilient crops: study in the United Arab Emirates

May 24, 2025

A recent study conducted in the United Arab Emirates explores the potential of halophytes for sustainable food production in arid environments, focusing on two indigenous species: Salicornia sinus-persica and Arthrocaulon macrostachyum.

Thanks to an interdisciplinary collaboration between research institutes in the agricultural and environmental sectors, with the contribution of starred chefs, the research highlights the nutritional value, environmental benefits and gastronomic versatility of these salt-tolerant plants.

The results confirm the strategic role of halophytes in promoting sustainable agriculture, strengthening food security and favouring adaptation to climate change in contexts characterised by water scarcity.

Table of Contents

Halophytes, introduction to the study

Climate change imposes increasingly complex challenges on global food systems, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions, where freshwater scarcity, extreme temperatures and limited availability of fertile soil hinder agricultural productivity. The United Arab Emirates fully express these criticalities, with a dependence on food imports for over 90% that accentuates the vulnerability of food security and the environmental impact of supply chains.

In this context, halophytes — salt-tolerant plants that grow in high-salinity environments such as coastal marshes and inland sabkha — emerge as an alternative agricultural resource that is still undervalued. Endowed with unique physiological adaptations, these species offer promising solutions for climate-resilient agriculture, capable of providing nutritious foods with reduced freshwater consumption.

The study proposes an innovative approach based on natural and resilient solutions, demonstrating how the integration of halophytes into agri-food systems can combine food security, biodiversity protection, ecosystem restoration and carbon sequestration. Non-conventional agriculture thus becomes a strategic lever for promoting sustainable local production and economic diversification in the United Arab Emirates.

Methodology and study design

This interdisciplinary study employed a multidisciplinary comprehensive approach that combines botanical characterisation, nutritional analysis and culinary innovation to assess the potential of halophytes for sustainable food production. The research was conducted as part of the Nature-based Solutions for Climate, Biodiversity and People project in the United Arab Emirates, a multi-stakeholder initiative funded by HSBC Bank Middle East and involving partnerships between government agencies, environmental organisations and research institutions.

The study focused on two species native – albeit not exclusive – to the United Arab Emirates:

Salicornia sinus-persica, an annual halophyte species, and
Arthrocaulon macrostachyum, a perennial woody saltmarsh shrub.

Both species were collected from natural populations in Umm Al Quwain and subjected to detailed analysis. The research methodology integrated multiple components including botanical characterisation, nutritional assessment, environmental impact assessment and the development of culinary applications.

The nutritional assessment was conducted on fresh plant tips, with analyses performed per 100 grammes. The study examined macronutrient composition (proteins, carbohydrates, fats), micronutrient content (vitamins and minerals), amino acid profiles and antioxidant compounds.

The culinary exploration involved collaboration with leading chefs and professionals who express diverse culinary backgrounds and restaurant structures in the United Arab Emirates. They developed twelve innovative recipes that showcase the versatility of halophytes through starters, main courses and desserts, demonstrating practical applications aimed at promoting market acceptance of these unconventional ingredients.

Botanical characteristics and environmental adaptations

Halophytes show extraordinary physiological adaptations that enable survival in high-salinity environments through specialised mechanisms including salt exclusion at the root level, salt excretion through specialised glands and vesicles, and ionic compartmentalisation within cellular vacuoles:

the predominant mechanism in both Salicornia sinus-persica and Arthrocaulon macrostachyum involves the compartmentalisation of salts in cellular compartments, protecting the cytoplasm and organelles from salt damage (Cárdenas-Pérez et al., 2021).
Salicornia sinus-persica is as an annual halophyte species with prostrate and erect growth habits, with succulent and glabrous stems that appear articulated. Many ecotypes show green foliage that transitions to red in autumn, completing the growth cycle within a year with seeds that fall in autumn, germinate in winter and reach maturity through the summer season. This species demonstrates remarkable adaptability to tidal cycles and seasonal changes whilst maintaining productivity under high-salinity conditions;
Arthrocaulon macrostachyum is instead a perennial woody saltmarsh shrub that grows up to 150 centimetres in height, sometimes adopting prostrate growth forms. The species is characterised by richly branched structures with fleshy segments that show glaucous or greenish-yellow colouration. Flowering occurs in autumn with subsequent seed dispersal, enabling the species to maintain perennial populations in suitable saltmarsh habitats contributing to ecosystem stability.

Both species demonstrate antioxidant production as a defence mechanism to neutralise highly reactive chemicals, protecting halophytes from oxidative stress caused by high salinity levels. These adaptations position them as zero-kilometre crops with significant potential for local cultivation and commercial production.

Nutritional profiles and health benefits

The nutritional profiles of both halophyte species are interesting under several aspects:

energy value. Fresh tips of Salicornia sinus-persica and Arthrocaulon macrostachyum offer 46 Kcal and 63 Kcal per 100 grammes respectively;
macronutrients. Both species are characterised by low carbohydrate content (5.5 and 6.2 g/100 g) and sugars (3.2 and 4.0 g/100 g), proteins (1.5-2.9 g/100 g), for Salicornia and Arthrocaulon. The latter also distinguishes itself as a source of fibre (3 g/100 g);
amino acids. Both halophyte species contain all nine essential amino acids. They are therefore complete protein sources, despite the relatively low protein content;
micronutrients. Both species are rich in vitamin C and B vitamins (particularly B1 and B12), as well as essential minerals including potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, zinc, iron and manganese;
bioactive compounds. Both species contain substances with antioxidant actions such as polyphenols, flavonoids, cinnamic acids, saponins and triterpenoids. Arthrocaulon also distinguishes itself for the presence of methionine, useful support for skin and nail health.

Environmental benefits and climate resilience

Halophytes express great potential in biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration and climate change mitigation:

halophyte ecosystems provide habitat and food resources for various fauna types that include various species of birds, crustaceans, insects and gerbils (small rodents characteristic of desert areas of Asia and Africa). Root systems serve as nesting and breeding grounds, whilst above-ground biomass offers shelter and foraging opportunities for various organisms, contributing to ecosystem health and overall stability;
the extensive root systems that bind soil particles together reduce erosion and increase overall soil stability. Halophytes also trap and stabilise sediments, thus filtering pollutants and enriching soil through nutrient cycling processes. These functions prove particularly valuable in coastal protection efforts and inland soil conservation, contributing to climate resilience and adaptation to sea-level rise;
the use of saline water sources, unsuitable for traditional agriculture, reduces pressure on freshwater supplies whilst enabling productive use of land in otherwise marginal environments, supporting sustainable agriculture in arid and semi-arid regions where conventional crops cannot survive;
the ability of halophytes to absorb and store carbon within their biomass and associated soil systems then contributes to climate change mitigation efforts, supporting broader environmental objectives and blue carbon initiatives in coastal ecosystems.

Culinary applications and market potential

The organoleptic profiles of both species are characterised by natural salinity, slight bitterness and umami characteristics, attributed to the high glutamic acid content:

Salicornia shows crispy and juicy textures when fresh, whilst
Arthrocaulon presents slightly harder and more fibrous characteristics with subtle nutty notes.

The versatility of use is broad, as halophytes lend themselves to various preparation methods:

fresh consumption preserves authentic texture and nutritional qualities;
blanching, steaming and boiling can soften the plants and reduce salt content;
dehydration and grinding allow the creation of alternative seasoning powders to salt, with reduced sodium content and high added value.

Mullet with Salicornia. Photo courtesy of Dario Dongo.

The recipes include traditional applications, in combination with fish and seafood, and innovative combinations in pasta and rice, salads, pestos and condiments. The integration of halophytes into plant-based and vegan cuisines offers additional opportunities for market expansion.

Sodium and salt

The sodium content represents an element of attention not to be overlooked, as fresh Salicornia and Arthrocaulon contain 4.7 and 4.0 g of salt per 100 grammes respectively. Some considerations are added in this regard:

a typical portion of halophytes, about 30 grammes, involves a sodium intake of about 1.4 grammes. They can moreover substitute cooking salt and other sodium sources, thanks to their natural saltiness amplified by umami taste, so as not to exceed the daily threshold of 5 g of salt recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO, 2023);
the presence of additional minerals (calcium, magnesium, potassium), vitamins, polysaccharides, proteins and antioxidants can counteract the effects of sodium on blood pressure compared to conventional sodium chloride composed mainly of NaCl (90-99%) (Panth et al., 2016; Sood et al., 2024);
various cooking techniques can decrease salt content through steaming, blanching and boiling, providing flexibility for individuals requiring sodium restriction whilst maintaining nutritional benefits and culinary appeal.

Economic and social implications

The local cultivation of halophytes offers opportunities for economic diversification and rural development, creating new income for coastal communities and favouring the growth of small and medium agricultural enterprises:

the market requires effective coordination between production, processing and marketing, with the involvement of chefs and restaurants to promote the product and consolidate a premium position;
the supply chain must overcome challenges related to harvesting, processing and distribution to ensure quality and availability, considering the seasonality of Salicornia and the perennial stability of Arthrocaulon;
the project Nature-based Solutions in the UAE supports integrated funding that combines environmental conservation, blue carbon initiatives, ecotourism and food security.

Discussion and future directions

Halophytes represent effective solutions for food challenges in arid regions, thanks to nutritional, environmental and culinary benefits:

research should focus on germplasm improvement to increase seed size and higher biomass production;
cultivation techniques (now entrusted to manual collection of seeds smaller than 2 mm) should be optimised, particularly, to scale sustainable production;
consumer education and policy support, through incentives and regulations, are essential to promote diffusion and ecosystem protection.

Main results and conclusions

Halophytes, such as Salicornia sinus-persica and Arthrocaulon macrostachyum, offer essential nutrients and healthy phytocompounds, with environmental benefits such as supporting biodiversity and soil stabilisation, contributing to climate adaptation.

Culinary versatility and positive reception by chefs indicate strong market potential. The integration of halophytes into sustainable food systems requires synergies between research, production, marketing and public policies.

The project demonstrates how multi-stakeholder collaboration can create innovative solutions that simultaneously address multiple sustainability challenges and serve as a model for other arid regions, contributing to global resilience efforts.

Dario Dongo

References

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