A Sea of Potential

We could spend a LOT of time talking seaweed. It is one of our favorite ingredients to cook and work with and one we feel is at the center of our scalably sustainable pledge. There are many kinds, from many places, but we thought we’d throw you some basics:

In terms of sustainable growth, this marine algae (it’s neither a plant nor an animal) has it all! Seaweed requires no infrastructure; no extra inputs to help it grow, like fertilizer, soil, weeding, or freshwater. It gets everything it needs from the liquid (ocean) environment around it. 

Seaweeds also have very few “enemies,” such as pests or diseases, and can grow between six inches and two feet in a single day, which is waaay faster than any land plant.

Seaweed, like plants get their energy from photosynthesis, a process that removes carbon from the environment, which helps with both ocean acidification and atmospheric carbon levels. Giant kelp for example are known as the sequoias of the sea because they can convert as much carbon and grow exponentially faster.

And Bonus: Along with pulling carbon from the ocean these bad boys replenish oxygen.  As much as 70-80% of Earth’s oxygen comes from marine plants and algae, much of which pound for pound is seaweed. 

Seaweeds are also jam packed with essential nutrients. Offering a wide range of vitamins and minerals including iodine, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, B12, calcium, potassium, magnesium and iron. Some seaweed species (there are thousands!) contain more iron than meat and more calcium than milk.

All of this makes this photosynthetic eukaryotic organism one of the most sustainable plants on earth. And for that reason holds a special place in our hearts.

So where will you find it? Beyond holding your favorite sushi roll together, seaweed can be found in all kinds of products. Asian cultures in particular have long used seaweed as a mainstay.  Dried Nori is a common snack as well as wakame for seaweed salad. Look for mention of seaweed in dressings, soups and stews, crackers, and your favorite snacks. While this superfood hasn’t quite taken over kale or other leafy greens, it is very on trend. 

We love love love incorporating seaweed in HoneyFlower Foods meals because we know that this superfood is good for your health, good for our planet and good for the future! This makes it an allstar in our books, and we are looking forward to getting you more of it.