Exploring the Potential of Mediterranean Edible Halophytes as Novel Crops: Ecological and Nutritional Insights from Tuscany’s Salt Marshes

Climate change and rising soil salinization pose significant challenges to agriculture and food security, particularly in coastal regions. Halophytes, salt-tolerant plants thriving in saline environments, offer promising solutions, as they show resilience to extreme conditions and provide nutritional and ecological benefits. This study investigates the potential of edible halophytes in the Mediterranean Basin, focusing on Tuscany’s salt marshes. A combination of literature reviews and field surveys identified 24 edible species among 60 recorded halophytes. These plants, mainly from the Amaranthaceae family, ranging from seasonal therophytes to perennial geophytes, display diverse life forms and adaptive strategies for saline habitats. The study highlights their nutritional and economic value, with edible parts such as leaves and shoots rich in essential minerals and antioxidants. Fieldwork and geospatial analyses revealed distinct patterns of species distribution, emphasizing the role of halophytes in maintaining ecosystem resilience and offering sustainable agricultural opportunities in degraded lands. By mapping their distribution and analyzing biodiversity indices, this research underscores the importance of conserving halophyte species as genetic resources and advancing their integration into agricultural systems. The findings provide a basis for developing innovative approaches to enhance food security in saline-affected areas.