Page 279 - The Forager’s Guide to Wild Foods

Preparing, Cooking, and Storing Seaweed
• Irish moss is incredibly high in iron, as well as high
in magnesium and zinc.
In most cases, it’s best to wash the seaweed in salt wa-
The compounds that make seaweed feel slippery are
ter before drying, since salt will help to preserve it.
alginates and glutamates. Alginates are used medically
The high salt content of seaweed means they can be
for topical healing salves and medicine delivery. Gluta-
stored for a number of years. Rinsing the seaweed in
mates support brain function.
fresh water will remove excess salt and sand, but it
Seaweed and seagrass tend to be high in fiber. This
will increase the slippery texture and it can rupture
insoluble fiber can help to prevent colon diseases in-
their cell walls and potentially create a fishy smell. You
cluding cancer, and can act as a prebiotic to feed and
can reduce both the salt and iodine content by boiling
promote healthy gut bacteria. Most species of seaweed the dried seaweed in fresh water for 2 minutes just
and seagrass are high in magnesium and amino acids.
before eating it. Seaweed shouldn’t take longer than
Seaweed also contains a large variety of trace elements,
2 days to air dry. Any longer than this and it runs the
minerals, and vitamins, as well as bioactive compounds
risk of growing mold.
that are not abundant in terrestrial plants. If you aren’t sure how to prepare a certain type of
All seaweed contains high concentrations of iodine. seaweed, then usually drying and grinding it into a
These high levels can be used in consultation with a powder for soups and stews is a great start. Smoking
doctor for some thyroid conditions. Both a deficiency is a great way to preserve seaweed for a long period,
and an excess in iodine can lead to a number of health and the umami taste of the seaweed goes well with a
concerns, including weight gain, high cholesterol and smoky flavor. Blanching or sautéing seaweed is a com-
thyroid complications, so it’s important to balance the mon way to cook and eat fresh new growth. Pickling
amount of seaweed being consumed. seaweed is another good way to store and eat sea-
The phlorotannins in brown seaweeds, responsible for weed.
many of the medicinal benefits of seaweed, are highly Don’t be shy to have a nibble right there on the beach.
susceptible to oxidization, which is why it is import- Many seaweeds and seagrasses make a great snack
ant to seal processed seaweed in an airtight container. straight off the rocks while foraging. Dwarf Rockweed
Seaweed is one of the best sources of melatonin, and and Eelgrass are two examples of tasty raw treats. As
is often used for insomnia and to improve sleep. Sea- you explore the seaweed in your local area, you will
weed produces higher concentrations of melatonin in become familiar with what tastes and textures are out
the evening. there, and how best to prepare them.

Terminology List

Air bladder - The small sacks of air that are spread along the fronds.
Conceptacles (dots) - Cavities or dots on the surface of the fronds that are the reproductive organs. They sit
within the receptacles. They tend to be cup or bowl shaped.
Cortex cells - Are found in the stipe and midrib, being divided into inner and outer cells. Inner cortex cells
are arranged vertically into columns. Outer cells are arranged horizontally or in concentric circles around the
stipe. This alternating arrangement gives the stipe and midrib extra strength and flexibility.
Epidermis - The surface or skin of the frond, lamina or stipe.
Frond - The entire leaf-like structures of seaweed; they are the prominent feature of seaweed that photosyn-
thesize. It includes the receptacles, air bladders, and the lamina.
Haptera (holdfast) - Root-like structures that grow out of the holdfast and anchors the seaweed to rocky
substrates.
Holdfast - The main attachment at the base of some seaweed species that initially anchors them to the rock.
Lamina (blade) - A flattened blade found in many seaweed species.
Midrib - Central vein running down the middle of lamina or frond; it attaches to the stipe or to the holdfast.
Receptacle - In seaweed, the receptacles are the swollen tips of the fronds. In addition to holding the concep-
tacles (reproductive organs), they assist with photosynthesis.
Stipe - The stem that connects the frond to the holdfast.
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