Islanders Recipes For Seaweed And A Universal Insight Into Seaweed

Seaweed is an unusual plant that, when harvested and processed is good for the land, animal and humans, as it is contains protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. It is almost a ‘complete food’, as its potassium/sodium ratio is almost the same as that of the human body.

The protein found in seaweed is a ‘complete’ protein – it contains all the eight essential amino acids as found in meat, but has nearly zero calories.

There are many species of seaweed and there are variations in the nutrient values, mainly the fibre levels, between the varieties of seaweeds.

Amongst the various varieties of seaweeds, a number can be eaten. In Shetland, when food was very scarce, folks would go to the beach and search for the type of seaweed, Alaria esculenta – better known as Hinniwirs in Shetland. The islanders back then knew what was good for them, as the seaweed would provide the essential nutrients sorely needed.

folks would eat the seaweed, which is full of natural levels of goodness. I have been told it was mainly the stalk part that was eaten and the plant has a nutty kind of taste. The ‘leaf’ – the sporophylls – is ideal in salads, and the stalk (rib) in a cheese sauce with some vegetable soup.

Some of the other edible species are the Laminaria Saccharina – Sugar Kelp; Ulva lactuca – Sea Lettuce; and Palmaria palmata – Dulse. These, along with the Hinniwirs, can be eaten in a variety of ways. Best dried and then added to soups, stews, and as condiments. Add the dried seaweed to potatoes instead of salt. citizens will certainly feel the benefits of these natural products, as it will provide all the nutrients at natural levels.

islanders Recipes
Sea Nest
Large frond of sugar kelp
2 oz Brown Rice
1 large parsnip

Cook the brown rice.
Cut sugar kelp into long thin ‘laces’ and simmer until tender.
Slice parsnip very thin, swiftly deep fry to make crisps – do not over fry or the sweetness will be lost.
Arrange the sugar kelp on a bed of rice, the fill with parsnip chips in the middle.
Serve with some Sea Lettuce and lemon salad.

islanders Sea Lettuce Salad
Take some fresh Sea Lettuce leaves, rinse quickly in fresh water, and chop fine.
Dress with some fresh lemon juice.

people Nutty Salad
Large handful of Alaria leaf, fresh
1 teaspoon of toasted sesame seeds
¼ White Cabbage
1 White Radish

Finely shred the cabbage.
Grate the radish and mix into the cabbage.
Coarsely chop the Alaria leaves, and chuck in with sesame seeds.
Pile this onto the salad bed, and serve with lemon juice, mayonnaise and maybe some light soy sauce.
For more information on seaweed and seaweed products.