Sea Weed, Sea Plants, Kelp as Food

Background

  • • Marine plants: Marine plants are photosynthetic organisms that grow in salt water or ice. They are a valuable source of nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids.
  • • Medicinal uses: Marine plants have been used for centuries for their medicinal properties. They contain a variety of biotoxins that can be used to develop pharmaceuticals.
  • • DHA: Marine algae are a good source of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a chemical that is important for brain development in infants. Approximately 40% of baby formula is made from DHA-rich algae.
  • • Seaweed drinks: Red algae are the chief ingredient of some seaweed drinks. They are also used as thickeners in cooking.

Global Use of Sea weeds as supplement

  • Seaweed consumption:
    • Traditionally eaten in China, Japan, Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia.
    • Gaining acceptance in Europe (France) and US (California, Hawaii).
  • Recent trends:
    • Strong movement in France to introduce seaweed into European cuisine.
    • Seaweed becoming more popular in California and Hawaii.
  • Future:
    • Seaweed consumption is expected to continue to grow in popularity.
    • Seaweed is a healthy and sustainable food source.
  • Seaweed cultivation:
    • Companies in Maine, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia are cultivating seaweeds onshore for human consumption.
    • Markets are growing in the US, Canada, and Japan.
  • Seaweed resurgence:
    • Ireland and Northern Ireland are showing a renewed interest in seaweeds that were once a traditional part of the diet.
  • Seaweed popularity:
    • Cooking books incorporating recipes using “sea vegetables” are on the market in many countries.
    • Seaweeds are expected to receive increasing acceptance due to the trend for organically grown and “natural” foods.

Modern Trend in Food Forms from seaweed

  • • Seaweed-based drink capsules: Edible seaweed capsules that were trialed at the London Marathon as a waste-free way to hydrate runners.
  • • Aqwi Organics: Zero-calorie flavored water beverage rich in sea salt and antioxidants from kelp.
  • • Ocean's Halo: Brand that offers a range of seaweed-based products, including beverages made with deep ocean water and kelp.
  • • Sea Fruit wines: Irish wines made from seaweed, including kelp, dulse, Irish moss, wild nori, and ulva.
  • • Modern seaweed recipes: Sushi rolls, nori salads, and seaweed crisps are becoming more popular in Western USA markets.
  • • Seaweed jelly candy: A type of candy made from seaweed, sugar, gelatin, salt, pholy phospex, essence, and coconut water.
  • • Kelp noodles: Korean-inspired noodles made from seaweed that are becoming popular in New Jersey and New York.
  • • Seaweed/kelp-based products: Tea, butter, pickles, and salsa are just some of the many products that are being made from seaweed or kelp.

Historical Trend in Food Forms from seaweed

  • Seaweed has been a staple food in Asia for centuries. It has been used in Japan, Korea, and China for thousands of years. Seaweed is a good source of nutrients, such as iodine, fiber, and vitamins. It is also low in calories and fat, making it a healthy choice for people who are looking for a nutritious and low-calorie snack or meal.
  • In the west, seaweed is becoming increasingly popular as a health food. This is due to the growing awareness of the health benefits of seaweed. Seaweed is a good source of iodine, which is an important nutrient for thyroid health. It is also a good source of fiber, which can help to regulate digestion and promote gut health.
  • There are many different ways to use seaweed in cooking. Seaweed can be used in a variety of dishes, both savory and sweet. It can be used as a garnish, an ingredient, or even a main dish. 
  • • Nori is a versatile seaweed that can be eaten raw, toasted, or flaked and added to sauces, soups, and broths. It is a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, and is especially high in iodine.
  • • Laverbread: A traditional Welsh dish made from seaweed, laverbread can be eaten simply on toast with oatmeal or vinegar, or used in more modern dishes such as pasta, batter, and pizzas.

Organizations with Same Goals

  • - Ocean Rainforest: Grow, harvest, and process seaweed. Their gentle handling process is performed locally by a team of passionate experts, who ensure the seaweed stays rich in nutrients.
  • - They offer a collection of premium fully-traceable seaweed products, mostly for food, feed, nutraceuticals and cosmetics.
  • - Thorverk hf : Uses geothermally heated pure ground water at Reykhólar as heat source for drying and the abundant seaweed grounds in the fjord. Our motto is to provide excellent quality based on safety and environmental caution.
  • - Alga+: European Pioneers in cultivating Seaweed in a sustainable manner.
  • - MYCSA Ag, Inc. : Use Seaweed as fertilizers to improve plant cultivation. It is an excellent stress reducer and preventer ideal for use during transplantation or climate changes (chill or drought).
  • - Shore Seaweed: Uses Seaweed in Snacks based on age old traditional harvesting in scotland.
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