Seaweed is not just a food source. It’s a habitat for marine life and a champion of biodiversity. It helps regulate water quality and plays a key role in carbon sequestration, pulling carbon from the atmosphere. Think of seaweed as the lungs of the ocean, vital for a balanced and healthy marine environment.
Never harvest seaweed yourself (rocks are slippery and you need expert training to ‘give seaweed a haircut’ without removing roots). As someone once said ‘it’s seaweed to you, but the universe to a shrimp!’
Dogs are often tempted to play with seaweed fronds, but don’t let them eat it (it expands in the stomach as it dries, and is also salty).
Irish Sea Moss (use code ENGNF15 for 15% off first purchase) is an edible seaweed that’s packed with nutrients and amino acids. This is sold in a glass jar then you just order plastic-free refill pouches after that.
Before taking supplements, check with GP if pregnant/nursing or you have thyroid disorders, are on blood thinners or have a shellfish allergy. Keep supplements away from young children & pets.
England has over 600 species of seaweed (mostly native species) although warming coastal temperatures is (like on land) affecting growing, due to climate change. The most common type is bladderwrack (the type that looks a bit like ‘bubble wrap’ with big air bubbles).
Only about 20 species of seaweed are edible, though others are also used in beauty care and some are dehydrated to make seaweed salts.
But seaweeds exist mostly to give homes to marine creatures, especially kelp forests, which also help to prevent coastal erosion. Fish often live in seaweed forests, which is why important only experts hand-harvest seaweed from the shoreline.
Types of Seaweed
Seaweed comes in various forms, mainly red, green, and brown. Each has unique uses. Red seaweed, for example, finds its way into your favourite agar desserts.
Green seaweed, perfect in salads, and brown seaweed like kelp, often transforms into health supplements. Seaweed isn’t just one thing; it’s a diverse family with multiple roles.
The Cornish Seaweed Company offers sustainably-hand-harvested products (this company has a license to harvest without significantly affecting the ecosystem – they harvest by hand, always above the point of growth and do not disturb wildlife).
They also rotate harvesting areas to allow ample time for recovery, and leave harvested areas for several years, before harvesting again. Cornish Seaweed Salt mixing organic dulse, nori & sea greens with Cornish sea salt. This is ‘saltier’ than table salt in taste, so you can use less of it.
Beer Made from Seaweed!
SeaGrown Seaweed Beer uses hand-harvested seaweed from Yorkshire’s coast with notes of caramel, toasted bread, herbs and lemon, combined with local kelp. It also makes seaweed seasonings. Harvesting seaweed offshore helps reduce agricultural runoff and algae bloom, which harms marine wildlife.
Sea Bloom makes ‘tuna’ with wild Scottish seaweed, founded by Greta (not that one) whose whale-watching trip was ruined by the ugly sound of an industrial fishing vessel. Already on sale in many stores and with investments pending, the company also makes ‘fish-free burgers’ that are full of protein and omega 3 fatty acids.
Using Sustainable Seaweed for Skin Care
Cornish Seaweed Soap is vegan and free from palm oil, using the natural properties of seaweed to heal skin. Made with kelp, dulse, nori and bladderwrack, this includes a mix of clays, shea butter and essential oils (avoid for pregnancy/nursing and affected medical conditions).
Phoenix & Providence Face Mask uses hand-harvested seaweed on the Isles of Scilly for a cleansing skin treat to draw out toxins using kaolin clay and seaweed (the high mineral content makes it wonderful for skin, and salt water is a natural detox to absorb oil). Contains oils of lavender and rosemary. The powder is activated with a little water, and sold in a glass jar.
Using Seaweed in Organic Gardening
Seaweed biostimulant helps to grow bigger crops and is designed for veg patches, lawns and outdoor potts. It can also contribute to resistance to unwelcome garden visitors, and is blended with water to apply weekly to poor soil. Recommended for outdoor use only. If planting green spaces, learn how to make gardens safe for pets.
