How Eating Seaweed Can Save the Planet: The Superfood of the Sea!
We're running a giveaway with our friends at Pacific Harvest, they make delicious Seaweed seasonings harvested sustainably from the Pacific Ocean.
We asked them what this buzz about seaweed is all about, and here's what they told us.
Strap in, because this humble plant is about to blow your mind!
How Eating Seaweed Can Save the Planet: The Superfood of the Sea!
We're running a giveaway with our friends at Pacific Harvest, they make delicious Seaweed seasonings harvested sustainably from the Pacific Ocean.
We asked them what this buzz about seaweed is all about, and here's what they told us. Strap in, because this humble plant is about to blow your mind!
Edible seaweed, a marine vegetable that grows in the ocean, is rapidly gaining recognition as a sustainable superfood.
Found in a variety of colours and textures, seaweed is used extensively in many cuisines around the world, particularly in East Asian countries like Japan, China, and Korea.
With it's rich nutrient profile, seaweed offers numerous health benefits, while its growth and cultivation have a minimal environmental impact.
As awareness of the advantages of consuming seaweed spreads, it has become increasingly popular in Western diets as well, making its way into salads, sushi rolls, snacks, and even as a seasoning.
This eco-friendly, nutrient-rich food not only contributes to our well-being but also plays a vital role in protecting the planet.
Continue reading below!
Why Seaweed is good for you:
Seaweed is packed with essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and amino acids.
It is an excellent source of iodine, essential for thyroid function, and provides high levels of calcium, potassium, and B12 – a crucial nutrient for those following plant-based diets.
Seaweed's unique compounds also aid in gentle detoxification, helping to cleanse the body of toxins, while its alkaline nature can help soothe the digestive tract and maintain overall balance in the body.
Moreover, seaweed is a low-calorie food with a favourable ratio of omega-3 fatty acids, which can reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Its protein profile is similar to that of egg protein, making it an ideal source of essential amino acids, especially for vegetarians and vegans.
Why it's good for the planet:
Cultivating seaweed is a sustainable and eco-friendly practice, as it requires no additional water, fertilisers, or pesticides.
Seaweeds absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, helping to combat ocean acidification and regulate global temperatures.
Additionally, seaweed farming can reduce overfishing by providing an alternative, nutrient-rich food source. Seaweed farming also creates habitats for marine life and helps in maintaining the health of coastal ecosystems.
By choosing seaweed, consumers support a food system that actively contributes to a healthier planet, protects marine environments, and promotes biodiversity.
Why it's good for your taste buds too:
Seaweed is known for its unique umami flavor, which can enhance and deepen the taste of various dishes. This umami taste is attributed to the presence of glutamate, a naturally occurring amino acid in seaweed.
The savoury, complex flavour profile of seaweed makes it a versatile ingredient, suitable for use in soups, salads, sushi, and even as a seasoning or garnish.
Incorporating seaweed into your meals not only adds a burst of nutrients but also elevates the overall dining experience.
Seaweed is an incredible way to add depth to dishes, and its natural flavour-enhancing properties can reduce the need for adding table salt, leading to healthier meal options.
Want to try a recipe at home?
Check out this recipe for the triple layer Boysenberry Panna Cotta we made above!
INGREDIENTS
300ml water
1 cup frozen boysenberries plus a few extra for decorating
½ to 1 cup maple syrup
4 tablespoons Agar powder
1 cup your favourite milk or mylk
1/2 cup cream or coconut cream
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Silicone Mould (Bread Pan)
INSTRUCTIONS
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To make boysenberry juice, put water, boysenberries and ¼ cup of maple syrup in a pan and bring to boil.
Cook for 5 minutes after boiling, add more maple syrup if needed to taste.
Strain and set aside both the pulp and the juice in a bowl or jar to cool to room temperature.
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To make boysenberry jelly (the top layer), put the cooled juice and 1 tablespoon of Agar Powder in a pot.
Let this rest for 5 minutes to bloom then bring to the boil, simmer for 5 minutes after boiling, stirring continuously.
Then pour this into your mould (we used a silicone bread pan).
Let this harden at room temperature, NOT the fridge (Agar starts to gel at around 35 degrees!)
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While this is hardening make the boysenberry milk jelly (the 2nd layer).
Mix equal parts of cooled boysenberry pulp and milk and about a 1/3 cup maple syrup (or to your liking) in a pot. This should make about a Cup of liquid.
Add 1½ tablespoons of Agar powder and let it bloom for 5 mins. Bring to the boil and simmer for 5 minutes.
Continue stirring, the mixture should slowly thicken. Pour the mixture into a bowl or a cup to cook down little bit.
Once the first layer has started to harden, poke shallow holes in the first layer with a toothpick or a skewer. This will help the layers bind.
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Pour the warm (not hot) boysenberry milk jelly mixture into the mould. Set aside at a room temperature.
NOTE: To make each layer bind, you need to pour the next layer before the layer before is completely harden.
Do not cool the Jelly into the fridge until all layers are poured into the mould.
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To make milk/cream jelly (the last layer), mix 1/2 cup milk and 1/2 cup cream with maple syrup (to your liking) in a pot.
Add 1½ tablespoons of Agar powder and bring to boil. Simmer for 5 minutes after boiling, remember to stir! This likes to boil over if you leave the lid on.
Pour the mixture into a bowl or a cup to cook down little bit.
Poke shallow holes in the second layer with a toothpick or a skewer once it has started to thicken.
Pour the warm (but not hot) milk/cream jelly mixture into the mould. Set aside at a room temperature. When it's firm, transfer the mould into the fridge and set for two hours, before serving!
We've loved learning about seaweed, and we hope you have too! Incorporating seaweed into your diet is a delicious and sustainable choice that benefits both your health and the environment.
As a nutrient-dense superfood, seaweed supports overall well-being while its cultivation actively contributes to the health of our oceans and marine ecosystems.
By embracing seaweed as a dietary staple, you'll be taking a significant step towards reducing your carbon footprint and supporting a more sustainable food system for the future. Check out Pacific Harvest's great starter options here.
