## 1 Introduction  
Halophytes are plants adapted to thrive in environments with high salinity, such as coastlines, salt marshes, and mangroves [1, 2]. The ability of halophytes to survive in extreme salinity is attributable to their morphophysiological strategies, such as salt exclusion, salt elimination by the root system, salt excretion through specialised organs (salt glands or salt bladders), and diluting ions using succulence mechanisms. The halophytic adaptation to salinity is also associated with some biochemical mechanisms, such as (a) ion homeostasis, involving various channels and transporters, to prevent salt entrance to the roots, and vacuolar compartmentalisation of ions; (b) the osmotic adjustment attained through uptake of inorganic ions, and the de novo synthesis of organic osmolytes, to maintain turgor pressure and organellar volume within the growing plant cells; and (c) efficient antioxidant defence mechanisms to protect plants from oxidative stress resultant from the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced under high salinity [3; 4]. These adaptations allow halophytes not only to survive but to flourish in conditions that are inhospitable to most crops, but they may also interfere with the nutritional, microbial, and sensorial attributes, namely in their taste and texture, when these plants are used as foods. Recent research has highlighted the important ecological roles of halophytes, particularly in coastal ecosystems, where they contribute to erosion prevention, bioremediation of saline environments through pollutant removal, and the restoration of degraded soils via phytodesalination [2; 5; 6; 7]. Among the most studied halophytes are _Disphylma crassifolium_ (Aizoaceae), a low-growing annual succulent with round leaves and pink to violet flowers; _Inula crithmoides_ (Asteraceae), a perennial succulent with fleshy green to yellow leaves reaching up to 1 m in height; _Mesembryanthemum nodiforum_ (Aizoaceae), an annual plant forming horizontal clumps with tender, salty, and acidic leaves; and _Suada maritima_ (Amaranthaceae), characterised by branched stems and sessile curved leaves that turn red with age [8; 9; 10; 11; 12]. These species are commonly found in saline marshes and saltmarsh zones of the Mediterranean, as well as in regions such as Macaronesia and the Middle East [2; 12]. These plants are increasingly recognised for their ecological resilience and economic potential in saline agriculture [5; 13]. Their ability to thrive in marginal soils makes them keystone species for rehabilitating degraded coastal and arid ecosystems, stabilising sediments, and reducing soil salinity [3; 7; 14]. Economically, these plants offer sustainable alternatives for regions facing freshwater scarcity, with some species already commercialised in markets around the Mediterranean [15]. The integration of halophytes into soilless cultivation systems presents an opportunity to optimise yield, reduce land competition, and address global food security challenges intensified by climate change [16]. Beyond their ecological benefits, halophytes possess significant nutritional and medicinal value [17]. They are rich in bioactive compounds, including vitamins, carotenoids, polyphenols, omega-3 fatty acids, and flavonoids, some of which have demonstrated anti-hypertensive and antimicrobial effects [1; 2; 17; 18]. For example, _D. crassifolium_ is noted for its antioxidant activity; _I. crithmoides_ contains relevant levels of vitamins B1, B6, \(\beta\)-carotene, and lutein; _M. nodiforum_ is a good source of vitamins A, C, and B6 and carotenoids, and _S. maritima_ is associated with a wide range of metabolites and high antioxidant potential [2; 11; 18; 19; 20]. These nutritional attributes have led to increased interest in the agricultural production, commercialisation, and consumption of halophytes, both as functional foods and as novel ingredients in gourmet cuisine.