SEAWEED ANYONE?
I find that a dozen or more seaweed varieties are edible, but because it is said to be in that state, does not mean I have to
eat it. I plan to take it very cautiously possibly trying one after another.
Such restrictions we place upon ourselves are silly, I suppose, because there is strong evidence to show that mankind has consumed seaweed in some form for a long time, sometimes out of necessity and others
times, it appears, by choice. Furthermore, I have probably eaten it and not been aware of having done so. Many oriental and exotic dishes make use of one or more of the edible types, and I would imagine some “health foods”
constructors must incorporate a bit of seaweed in their concoctions now and then.
Initially, I have to learn which-is-which. It’s a lot like gathering mushrooms, I’d say. You’ve got to know the good from the bad - the edible weed from the forbidden weed. The look so much alike to the beginner
and, let’s face it, they don’t appear to be appetizing in the least. You may pass good ones by while seeking some which look better.
The most popular variety is a brown algae an it grows just under surface of the water. Other types thrive best at four feet below the surface which makes it more difficult to gather an edible portion. Seaweed, by the way, do not
have roots. They hang onto rocky surfaces with what watermen call “hold fasts” or “grippers”. The strongest storms can’t tear them loose so don’t even think about taking whole plants. Where would you keep them anyway? Oh,
you plan to eat them?
Back off. Such urgency can lead to disappointment. Some require washing, cleaning, cooking and even re-cooking to become tasty or even acceptable.
I haven’t found any great collection of seaweed recipes in most cookbooks thus far, but I’m still looking. There are several versions of a soup called Mizo which makes use of dried kelp and there is a Japanese type
of much the same thing called Zoni.
Other types of edible seaweed you make watch for include:
dulce, laver, majoran, and Irish moss.
A.L.M. August 20, 2002 [c-371wds]
