Is Seaweed the New Kale? Ireland's Coastal Superfood
Ireland has a robust and growing industry fueled by the resources of the sea. And the ingenuity of the Irish, is paying off in exporting it to the world. Companies like Connemara Organic Seaweed are harvesting, processing and selling seaweed by the ton. The owner of Connemara Seaweed, Noel Lee says what used to be just common knowledge in Irish kitchens, is now enjoying a moment as the newest health food trend.
The Irish have always known and used the powers of seaweed for survival and for better health. Now, they are exporting that superfood to the world by the ton.
It’s simple, clean and organic. Once harvested, the processing is minimal. It is rinsed, dried and package for shipping. For the most part seaweed is just a resource that grows offshore. But to keep it sustainable, the industry is moving toward cultivation and farming rather than just harvesting it in the wild. And other companies are beginning to sign on to boost production overall.
Seaweed drying in a dehydrator at the Connemara Organic Seaweed Company in Rossaveel.
“It’s always been a part of our life,” Noel says. “We use it to ward off colds, sooth a sore throat and add a boost of minerals, vitamins and anti-oxidants to soups, stews and vegetables. And the world is waking up to it’s health benefits.
Noel Lee, owner of the Connemara Organic Seaweed Company.
Connemara seaweed for sale in Galway.
Just a pinch here in your tea, a bit in a soup and a sprinkle on your salad adds what you perceive as a bit of alt. But it is so much more than that for your health.
Hear Noel’s story, how he harvests and processes seaweed along the Wild Atlantic Way and where he ships it, in this episode of Erin’s Isle.