(63) Is Iva annua nutritionally and economically viable?

This study analyzes the economic and nutritional viability of Iva annua, or sumpweed. Sumpweed is a largely forgotten plant that was domesticated by Native Americans approximately 4,000 years ago, but now grows wild across the... [ view full abstract ]

This study analyzes the economic and nutritional viability of Iva annua, or sumpweed. Sumpweed is a largely forgotten plant that was domesticated by Native Americans approximately 4,000 years ago, but now grows wild across the continental United States. By using a trait-based investigation of sumpweed, it can be implemented in meeting the food security needs amongst populations being marginalized by a rapidly growing global population. This offers a methodological approach that consists of a comparative yield analysis between sumpweed and hemp. Hemp was chosen due to it being a protein and oil rich seed, like sumpweed. The examination takes into account percent of the Recommended Daily Intake (RDI) for seven essential nutrients and the input costs involved in the harvest process. This paper demonstrates the effectiveness of underutilized crops and their economic potential. The results indicate that I. annua is superior to hemp in 4 out of 7 of the nutrients that were tested for in this study. In addition, it is significantly more economically viable when examining input costs.