Lemna

What if the food of the future has been growing in our canals all along?

Lemna minor, better known as duckweed, is one of the most protein-rich plants in the world. It grows at incredible speed, requires very little water, and was recently officially approved as a vegetable within Europe. Under the right conditions, it can double its biomass in just 48 hours.

Yet duckweed as a vegetable is still largely unknown to the public and often associated with dirt or stagnant pond water. This project explores how design can help transform the image of duckweed.

Lemna is a compact home cultivation set that allows you to harvest fresh duckweed year-round, within just a few days. Its small size makes it easy to place on a kitchen counter or windowsill, ideal for compact living spaces.

The integrated sieve simplifies refreshing the water, keeping the process clean. The ceramic bowl, designed and cast with a special three-part mold, conducts heat to stimulate growth. A heating plate and built-in grow light support cultivation, enabling harvests throughout the year.

In this way, growing healthy and sustainable food becomes accessible, simple, and appealing.

Picture by: Willeke Machiels

behind the scenes

This project started with the question:

‘ How can design transform the image of duckweed from pond weed to healthy food? ’

Research on growth, materials, color and user experience .

First prototype of the sieve

Research on ideal growing conditions of Lemna Minor (duckweed)

THE NOW SHOW
Lemna is exhibited in het werkwarenhuis, Den Bosch.

Picture by: Willeke Machiels

Picture by: Willeke Machiels

Picture by: Willeke Machiels

With gratitude to everyone who contributed to Lemna — from scientific expertise to creative input.

A special thanks to:

Hans & Rinus B.V. – Mr. Grootenhuis & Mr. Minkjan – duckweed expertise
Aeres University of Applied Sciences – Michiel Klaassen – duckweed expertise
Inagro – Marie Lambert – duckweed expertise
Azaleakwekerij – Hans Van De Steene – duckweed expertise

St. Joost School of Art & Design, Den Bosch – teaching staff
Willeke Machiels – photography

& everyone else who shared their time, knowledge, and support.