Dom O'Neill/Pixabay
Edible seaweeds and algae – or sea greens – are a gaggle of aquatic crops which might be discovered within the ocean. Kelp, dulse, wakame and sea grapes are all kinds of seaweeds which might be utilized in seaweed-based dishes.
Although consuming seaweed is generally widespread in Asian nations, at this time seaweeds are extensively rising in recognition as an ingredient in a variety of meals and drinks. This notably consists of sushi, the place nori seaweed is used as an edible wrap for vegetable, fish, and rice-based fillings.
Our analysis suggests that folks within the UK, like customers in different western nations, are much less accustomed to seaweed as an ingredient. That is necessary as a result of meals neophobia (eager to keep away from novel meals) could stop customers from attempting new merchandise.
And for seaweeds particularly, first impressions could also be much less interesting when related to the plant washed up on our seashores. For instance, many individuals in our analysis imagined seaweed to be “smelly”, “salty”, and “slimy” when requested.
Regardless of this, many European nations have a historical past of consuming seaweeds. This consists of laverbread, a savoury puree comprised of laver seaweed, which is eaten alongside different seafood as a part of Welsh delicacies. A candy different is carrageen pudding, a jelly-like dessert comprised of carrageen seaweed (in any other case often called Irish moss).
Nevertheless, this conventional consumption of seaweed stays considerably area of interest at this time. And apart from sushi, seaweed consumption is comparatively low in most western nations.
In a latest research, we explored how customers fee seaweeds and potential meals merchandise (that might be supplemented with seaweed) when excited about consuming them. We discovered that folks anticipated seaweed meals merchandise (corresponding to seaweed burgers) to be extra interesting than seaweed as a basic meals supply.
Notably, as individuals already anticipated seaweed merchandise to be wholesome and sustainable, these attributes had been much less necessary to their acceptance of seaweed. Style and familiarity had been the 2 components that had the best affect on individuals’ willingness to attempt to purchase seaweed-based meals.
That is helpful as a result of seaweeds are a extremely versatile and nutritious meals supply that may profit our weight loss program. Seaweeds are sometimes wealthy in fibre and excessive in nutritional vitamins and minerals. This consists of iodine and vitamin B12, which might be missing in vegetarian and vegan diets.
And seaweeds might be added to a variety of merchandise for his or her style in addition to how they can be utilized to thicken soups or stabilise the feel of ice cream. As seaweeds have a umami flavour, many cooks additionally favour seaweeds as a solution to improve the depth of flavour of their dishes.
Local weather-friendly meals
Fascinated by what we eat has turn out to be an necessary environment-related speaking level. As extra of us attempt to eat much less meat and dairy, we now have seen an increase within the consumption of plant-based merchandise (together with burger patties, nuggets, and sausages), plant-based milk (soya, almond, rice, and oat milk), and different dairy options (corresponding to dairy-free yoghurt and cheese).
Kelp recipes.
Within the present market, plant-based “meat” is usually comprised of soya, with different plant-based proteins together with peas, mushrooms, and wheat.
Importantly, seaweeds and algae might be worthy additions to this checklist. Although the protein content material of seaweed differs between species (significantly because it goes by the manufacturing course of), protein can account for as much as 25% of the dry weight for inexperienced seaweeds, and 47% for purple seaweeds.
Because of this seaweeds might be used to complement the dietary content material of protein options. Particularly, seaweeds are sometimes low in sodium. Because the salt content material of plant-based meat merchandise might be increased than comparable merchandise, seaweeds might be used in its place seasoning to salt, serving to to enhance the healthiness of these things whereas enhancing style.
Learn extra:
Movie star greens kale and seaweed had been lengthy thought of meals of final resort
Seaweeds even have the potential for sustainable farming alongside the UK shoreline. When in comparison with different plant-based options, this implies they stand out for his or her capability to develop with out freshwater or fertilisers and don’t compete for land area.
Our analysis additionally means that together with extra taste-focused language on packaging (scrumptious, heat, wealthy) and offering recipe concepts to customers (serve seaweed as a facet dish) could also be an necessary advertising and marketing technique if future seaweed merchandise are to search out new audiences.
There are some further boundaries that we have to contemplate. For instance, like different plant-based different meals, seaweed might be costlier, and excessive road availability is proscribed in comparison with on-line. Additionally, because the vitamins in seaweeds are affected by the waters they develop in, consuming an excessive amount of or consuming seaweeds from unregulated sources can have an effect on meals security.
General, nonetheless, there are many the reason why seaweed is a good meals for the long run.
Rochelle Embling receives funding from the ESRC Wales Doctoral Coaching Partnership.
Laura Wilkinson acquired funding for this venture from an ESRC IAA grant awarded by way of the ESRC Wales Doctoral Coaching Partnership. In addition to an in sort contribution from BIC Innovation.
