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Seaweed is a term used for several forms of multicellular marine algae. Red algae, Green algae and Brown algae are commonly considered to be seaweed. Seaweed gets its energy from photosynthesis just as plants do.
Ecology[change | change source]
Two specific environmental requirements dominate seaweed ecology. These are the presence of seawater (or at least brackish water) and the presence of enough light for photosynthesis. Often, a firm attachment point is also needed.
For this reason, seaweeds can be found in the littoral zone of the sea. Within that zone, they are more frequent on a rocky shore, than on sand.
Another common requirement is a firm attachment point. As a result, seaweeds most commonly inhabit the littoral zone and within that zone more frequently on rocky shores than on sand or shingle. Seaweeds occupy a wide range of ecological niches. The highest elevation is only wetted by the tops of sea spray, the lowest is several meters deep. In some areas, littoral seaweeds can extend several miles out to sea. The limiting factor in such cases is sunlight availability. The deepest living seaweeds are the various kelps.
Uses[change | change source]
Food[change | change source]
People living on the coast often eat seaweed, especially those in East Asia, such as Japan, China, Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. It is also used in Belize, Peru, the Canadian Maritimes, Scandinavia, Ireland, Wales, Philippines, and Scotland.
Tiwi, Albay residents discovered a new pancit or noodles made from seaweed. These have health benefits. Seaweed is rich in calcium and magnesium and seaweed noodles can be cooked into pancit canton, pancit luglug, spaghetti or carbonara.
In Asia, Zicai (紫菜) (in China), gim (in Korea) and nori (in Japan) are sheets of dried Porphyra used in soups or to wrap sushi. Chondrus crispus (commonly known as Irish moss or carrageenan moss) is another red alga used in producing various food additives, along with Kappaphycus and various gigartinoid seaweeds. Porphyra is a red alga used in Wales to make laver. Laverbread, made from oats and the laver, is a popular dish there. Affectionately called "Dulce" in northern Belize, seaweeds are mixed with milk, nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla to make a common beverage.
Seaweeds are also harvested or cultivated for the extraction of alginate, agar and carrageenan, gelatinous substances collectively known as hydrocolloids or phycocolloids. Hydrocolloids have attained commercial significance as food additives. The food industry exploits their gelling, water-retention, emulsifying and other physical properties. Agar is used in foods such as confectionery, meat and poultry products, desserts and beverages and moulded foods. Carrageenan is used in salad dressings and sauces, dietetic foods, and as a preservative in meat and fish products, dairy items and baked goods.
Medicine[change | change source]
Other uses[change | change source]
References[change | change source]
- Lewis, J.R. 1964. The Ecology of Rocky Shores. The English Universities Press Ltd.
- "Seaweed farmers get better prices if united". Sun.Star. 2008-06-19. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/dav/2008/06/19/bus/seaweed.farmers.get.better.prices.if.united.jica.html. Retrieved 2008-07-16.
- "Springtime's foraging treats". Life and Health, Guardian.co.uk. The Guardian. 2007-01-06. http://lifeandhealth.guardian.co.uk/guides/freestuff/story/0,,1981372,00.html. Retrieved 2008-07-16.
- "Albay folk promote seaweed ‘pansit’". ABS-CBN Regional Network Group. 2008-04-08. http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/04/08/08/albay-folk-promote-seaweed-pansit. Retrieved 2009-08-04.
- Round F.E. 1962 The Biology of the Algae. Edward Arnold Ltd.
- Iodine in Seaweed
- Maeda, H; Hosokawa, M; Sashima, T; Funayama, K; Miyashita, K (Jul 2005). "Fucoxanthin from edible seaweed, Undaria pinnatifida, shows antiobesity effect through UCP1 expression in white adipose tissues". Biochemical and biophysical research communications 332 (2): 392–7. . .
- Ireland Taps New Energy Source : Discovery News : Discovery Channel
- Seaweed Biofuels: Production of Biogas and Bioethanol from Brown Macroalgae