Page 280 - The Forager’s Guide to Wild Foods

BROWN ALGAE

Bladderwrack/Rockweed,
Fucus vesiculosus (FUCACEAE)

BLADDERWRACK, also known as Rockweed, is very KEY MEDICINAL USES: Bladderwrack is the original
common around the world. It can be found in shel- source of iodine so it can be used to treat iodine defi-
tered areas along both the east and west coast of ciencies like goiters, but should be used with caution.
North America. It attaches itself to rocky substrates. It is a strong anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant.
It lives for up to 5 years. When used topically, it promotes collagen produc-
tion. When added to a bath, it can rejuvenate and
TIDAL ZONE: Commonly found anywhere between
moisturize skin. Many Fucus species are studied for
low and high tide zones. It can grow to a depth of 10
their ability to reduce tumors and blood clotting. It
ft. (3m) below sea level.
is a popular ingredient in many weight loss formulas
FROND: The prominent central midrib and flat, heav-
and to control blood sugar levels.
ily forked fronds with bladders make this species
HOW TO HARVEST AND EAT: Only harvest the fresh,
recognizable. The name comes from the air-filled
young tips of the frond (2–3 inches/5-7.5cm), and en-
sacks or “bladders” that usually grow in pairs at the
sure you leave at least 2 inches (5cm) above the stipe
joints of the forks. The fronds are very smooth and
undisturbed. It makes a good thickener for soups and
shiny, and are dark olive green to brown in color. They
stews when dried and ground, otherwise it can be a
can grow up to 35 inches (90cm) long and are about
bit bland.
1 inch (2.5cm) wide. In more exposed sites, bladder-
BLADDERWRACK SOUP POWDER: Ingredients: 1
wrack may be stunted and not grow bladders.
cup dried bladderwrack, 1 tbsp. mushroom powder, 1
HOLDFAST AND STIPE: A short, flexible stipe is
tsp. each of ground ginger, chili flakes, and powdered
attached to a disc-shaped holdfast. Grows on rocky
garlic. Grind up dried bladderwrack into a powder,
substrates.
add the remaining ingredients, and stir. Add 1-2 tbsp.
EDIBLE PARTS: young, tender fronds to any soup or stew.
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