Page 285 - The Forager’s Guide to Wild Foods
P. 285
Hijiki, Sargassum spp. (SARGASSACEAE)
Bernard Dupont, CC-BY-SA-2.0
HIJIKI, also known as Common Gulfweed or Broad KEY MEDICINAL USES: Hijiki studies have found an-
Toothed Gulfweed, is the common name for a num- ti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-viral proper-
ber of Sargassum species. The native species S. na- ties. Studies have also shown potential uses for an-ti-
tans and S. fluitans occur on the east coast of North tumor treatments. When boiled and drunk like a tea,
America, while S. fusiforme is native to Asia. it disperses phlegm and relieves sore throats. All spe-
TIDAL ZONE: Most Sargassum species are floating al- cies of Hijiki contain arsenic, some of which can be re-
gae, so they can be found washed up on the shore or moved during the rinsing process.
rocks, especially after a storm or high tide. HOW TO HARVEST AND EAT: Harvest is best during
FROND: The mass of heavily branched fronds of S. na- the spring low tides, but this species can be collect-
tans and S. fluitans are golden yellow or light brown ed all year round. Once rinsed, Hijiki is traditionally
in color. S. natans tends to have spindly, thin fronds boiled for an hour or so, and then dried and broken
up to 1 inch (3cm) in length, whereas S. fluitans has a into flakes or ground into powder. Once boiled and
dense form with wider fronds less than 1 inch (2cm) dried, the seaweed turns black.
in length. Both of these species have toothed margins. HIJIKI CANAPÉS WITH AVOCADO AND SMOKED
S. fusiforme is yellow, green or brown and has smooth, SALMON: Ingredients: 1 bowl of fresh Hijiki fronds,
thick, fleshy fronds growing from a thick stipe, which 1 avocado, 3 ½ ounces (100g) of smoked salmon. Boil
makes it look like a succulent. All three species have the fresh Hijiki for 1 h., then dehydrate or oven dry
round air sacks for buoyancy that are lighter in color. it. Use the dried Hijiki like a cracker, and place the
STIPE: No holdfast; many Hijiki species form float- avocado and salmon on top of it. OPTIONAL: Add a
ing mats on the surface of the ocean. The stipe of S. squeeze of lemon or mayonnaise and serve.
natans and S. fluitans runs the whole length and is WARNING: Hijiki has been found to contain arsenic in
kinked and bent where each frond joins it.
low concentrations, so it’s advisable to only eat small
EDIBLE PARTS: fronds and air sacks doses.
284
