Burger patties made with salicornia grown in UAE - in pictures

Salicornia plants grow on a farm in the desert outside Dubai. From desert farm to fork, the UAE is cultivating the plant, which grows in saline conditions, preparing for the future of agriculture in an arid climate. All photos: AFP
Salicornia plants grow on a farm in the desert outside Dubai. From desert farm to fork, the UAE is cultivating the plant, which grows in saline conditions, preparing for the future of agriculture in an arid climate. All photos: AFP
Salicornia plants at International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) in Dubai.
Salicornia plants at International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) in Dubai.
The plant is grown using saltwater, a method that is more sustainable than using fresh water
The plant is grown using saltwater, a method that is more sustainable than using fresh water
The UAE imports about half of its food, but a recent push to create more homegrown produce is already producing results.
The UAE imports about half of its food, but a recent push to create more homegrown produce is already producing results.
A worker prepares a salicornia plant-based mix to be made into burger patties at a food processing plant, in Sharjah.
A worker prepares a salicornia plant-based mix to be made into burger patties at a food processing plant, in Sharjah.
Salicornia plant-based burger patties are produced on a production line. Salicornia is added to chicken, quinoa and kale to create the patties.
Salicornia plant-based burger patties are produced on a production line. Salicornia is added to chicken, quinoa and kale to create the patties.
Burger patties are prepared for cooking.
Burger patties are prepared for cooking.
And voila, they are frying in a pan.
And voila, they are frying in a pan.