PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — What grows quickly, is packed with protein, has twice the nutritional value of kale and... tastes like bacon?

The answer, according to scientists at Oregon State University, is a new strain of seaweed they recently patented.

Dulse is a form of edible seaweed that grows wild along the Pacific and Atlantic coastlines. It's commonly used in dried form as a cooking ingredient or nutritional supplement.

But researchers say the variety they've developed can be farmed, with the potential for a new industry for Oregon.

Their goal was to create a super food for commercially grown abalone. But after a product development team created new foods with dulse, they began to think humans might benefit a lot more.

Portland-area chefs are already testing the seaweed. Apparently, frying its strips brings out the "strong bacon flavor."