Natural seaweed from Northern Ireland shoreline offers nutritious and healthy foods
Familiar with ‘The Blue Economy’’? Most people will now be aware of the global efforts to promote conservation and sustainably through the focus on The Green Economy.
The Blue Economy is being promoted by the recently launched UK Seaweed, a body for farmed and sustainable wild harvested seaweed. With the global seaweed market projected to grow exponentially, the UK is uniquely positioned to become a leader in sustainable ocean crops. And it’s an initiative that could bring significant benefits for people here seeking nutritional foods.
The new body will serve as the central hub for growers, processors, researchers and technology providers, streamlining the path from research to commercial reality.
From traditional dulse used, for instance, in sea salt butter and as a condiment to kelp pesto and popcorn, edible seaweeds have become a potentially important food ingredient here. Seaweed is now a £5 billion global industry.
Islander Kelp on Rathlin is harvesting seaweed for products such as kelp pesto which are now being exported. Kettyle Irish Foods in Lisnaskea is using sea moss to cure and add flavour to premium beef.
North Coast Smokehouse in Ballycastle has created a smoked dulse condiment for adding a unique flavour to a range of meals such as salads.
“I believe that seaweed has the potential to make an important contribution to the local economy,” says founder Ruairidh Morrison.
“NI’s natural benefits include a pollution-free coastline with cold, clean waters in which seaweed thrives."
This rise can partly be attributed to the growing recognition of nutritional attributes of seaweed, according to Michelle Wilson, managing director of Kilkeel’s Crawford’s Rock.
“Seaweed contains a wide range of vitamins and minerals. It’s a versatile option for including throughout the diet. It’s s a healthy option for replacing the salt added to processed foods. As a result, seaweed may ultimately contribute towards reducing the risk of chronic disorders, particularly those related to high blood pressure and poor dietary habits.
“Seaweed is now recognised as an incredibly high-energy and low-calorie food.