Dulce

Bladder WrackDulce is an reddish brown algae that grows in aquaticsea water.  It canis growalso upknown toas a height of 3 feet and is usually found on the coasts of the Atlantic ocean, Pacific ocean, Baltic sea, and in some parts of Canada. These seaweeds are yellowish brown in color and have air-like sacs or bladders on the surface of the leaf.

This seaweed hassuperfood. been used for centuries in treatment for iodine deficiency, weight-loss, joint pain, skin-related ailments,  digestive and urinary problems.

Bladder Wrack has a salty fish taste. ItDulce is rich in Iodine, Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, Sodium,Manganese and Iron compared with other essentialsea mineralsvegetables. It is a great source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C and compounds. Vitamin B-12.

When consumed, Dulce tastes like bacon - making it one of the main ingredients in vegan and vegetarian dishes. Dulce also contains high levels of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids which support heart health, brain function and many other processes to promote physical and mental wellness.

 

Cultivating and Harvesting 

Bladder Wrack needs sea water and sunlight. Large scale and commercial cultivation of this seaweed is being researched. However Bladder Wrack naturally grows in abundance along the coastlines. 

Harvesters generally harvest them from their natural habitat. The best time to harvest is at low tide. Harvesters wade into the shallow waters and cut the sea weed.

Harvesting is done using using scissors or garden clippers. Pulling of the seaweed from the base is not recommended. Harvesters cut off only about half the size of the seaweed. This allows Bladder Wrack to grow back. 

Usually,  after a big storm, piles of fresh seaweed are washed ashore. Harvesters collect these and use them for food and medicine.

 

Consuming and Storing Bladder Wrack

Bladder Wrack can be eaten raw or cooked. It has a salty-fish line umami taste. It is also dried, powdered and stored. In some traditions, it is brewed as tea, and is called Bladder Wrack tea.