Page 295 - The Forager’s Guide to Wild Foods

Eelgrass, Zostera

marina (ZOSTERACEAE)

Kristian Peters, CC-BY-SA-3.0

Totti, CC-BY-SA-4.0

EELGRASS, also known as Seawrack, grows all over to the surface and eventually splits to release the
the world in cooler waters and can be found on the seeds.
east and west coast of North America. It can form EDIBLE PARTS: leaves and stems
large seagrass meadows in spring due to its rhizoma-
KEY MEDICINAL USES: Traditionally used to reduce
tous root system, similar to some terrestrial grasses.
fluid retention and edema, and more recently used in
It is a flowering plant that is technically a perennial,
some cosmetics. Studies have shown that an alcohol
but can have an annual life cycle in extreme climates.
extract of eelgrass has anti-microbial and anti-oxi-
It prefers sandy or muddy substrates in calmer water.
dant properties.
TIDAL ZONE: Widely distributed around the extreme
HOW TO HARVEST AND EAT: Harvest eelgrass
low tide line and subtidal zone, it prefers areas where
leaves above the sheath either in early spring before
it is very rarely exposed above the water. It can grow
they flower, or in summer. Being a predominantly sub-
in water up to 22 ft. (7m) deep.
tidal specie means harvesting on foot requires knowl-
LEAF AND STEM: The stem starts in a light green, edge of when the lowest tides are during these peri-
cylindrical sheath at the base, which branches and ods. Otherwise, it’s possible to use a snorkel or boat
flattens into long, thin, grass-like green blades. Each to harvest the leaves at low tide, since eelgrass grows
branch produces the next leaf blade. In deeper water in relatively calm water. Avoid harvesting any leaves
with low turbidity, seagrass can grow up to 3 ft. (1m) that are forming seeds, and even though the rhizome
in length. The blades are less than ½ inch (1.2cm) is edible, leaving the roots undisturbed will ensure
wide and their tips are rounded. its recovery. They are best eaten raw or blanched to
FLOWER: Seagrass is technically a flowering plant, maintain their crunchy and slightly sweet taste.
although like some terrestrial grasses, the flowers BLANCHED EELGRASS SALAD: Ingredients: 2 cups
and seeds are not obvious. It flowers underwater of lightly blanched eelgrass, 1 cup each of bean shoots,
in spring. During this time, a 4-inch (10cm) section finely sliced carrot, and baby spinach, vinaigrette
of the stem develops small tentacles about ⅓ inch dressing. Combine all of the ingredients and serve.
(8mm) long. Then this stem fattens, breaks off, floats

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