Sugar kelp (Saccharina latissima) has a variety of uses, including:
- Food: Sugar kelp is a nutritious food source that is high in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It is eaten fresh, dried, or powdered, and can be used in a variety of dishes, such as soups, stews, salads, and stir-fries. Sugar kelp is also used to make dashi, a Japanese broth that is the base for many dishes.
- Animal feed: Sugar kelp is a good source of protein and other nutrients for animals, and is often added to livestock feed. It can also be used to feed fish and shellfish.
- Fertilizer: Sugar kelp extract can be used as a fertilizer for plants. It is rich in nutrients and helps to improve soil quality.
- Biofuels: Sugar kelp can be used to produce biofuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel. It is a renewable and sustainable source of energy.
- Cosmetics: Sugar kelp extract is used in some cosmetics, such as sunscreens and moisturizers. It is believed to have anti-aging and other skin-benefiting properties.
In addition to these uses, sugar kelp is also being investigated for its potential to:
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions: Sugar kelp absorbs carbon dioxide from the water as it grows. This could help to mitigate climate change.
- Improve coastal water quality: Sugar kelp filters pollutants from the water and helps to improve water clarity.
- Provide habitat for marine life: Sugar kelp forests provide habitat for a variety of marine species, including fish, invertebrates, and seabirds.
Sugar kelp is a versatile and valuable resource with a wide range of potential uses. As research continues, it is likely that even more new and innovative uses for sugar kelp will be discovered.
Kelp grows in thick sub-tidal beds with adult individuals reaching an average length of 10-15 feet, forming a forest like environment in shallow water. Harvesting kelp is akin to thinning a stand of trees, selectively cutting and managing individual beds in accordance with their ability to regenerate.
The glutamates in kelp enhance the flavor of other ingredients and contribute a pleasant savory taste to food, known in Japanese as umami. Kelp also contains high levels of fucoidan and alginate, complex polysaccharides that have been shown to stimulate the immune system, reduce inflammation, and aid in the removal of heavy metals from the body.