Wakame

SeaWakame Lettuce(Undaria pinnatifida) is a green algae that grows in sea water.water It is popularly known as the salad greens of sea vegetables.  This leafy, bright green seaweed is eaten raw in salads or can be added to soups.  It haswith a distinctive flavor and aromatexture. thatIt makes itis one of the mainthree ingredientsmost common seaweed varieties in cuisinesJapan alland overis thecommonly world.grown in Japan and Korea. Wakame can be eaten raw as well as added to soups, stir fry dishes, salads, and other Asian foods.

Wakame is rich in nutrients. It is a good source ofof Omega-3 protein,fats, iron,Iodine, minerals,Manganese, fiber,Folate, Magnesium, Calcium, Copper, Riboflavin (B2) and Vitamin A, Vitamin B, and Vitamin C.Iron.

It is widely used in Continental and Asian cuisines. TheyWakame growgrows naturally on rocky shores of seas and oceans around the world. 

Cultivating and Harvesting

Sea Grapes needs sea water and sunlight. Large scale and commercial cultivation of this seaweed is followed in parts of Asia, Europe and the Americas along the sea coast. It is cultivated in seaweed farms where shore emerges above seawater during low tides and submerges under the water at the time of high tides.  

They also grow naturally in abundance along these 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 Dulse to grow back. 

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

 

Consuming and Storing Sea GrapesWakame

SeaWakame Grapes havehas a saltydistinctive taste.taste Theyand flavor. It can be eaten raw. It is normally dried or roasted and packed for commercial uses. It is mostly added to vegetables, soups, stocks, grains, beans, or stew dishes. It can also be pickled or deep-fried.