Arctic Black (fucus vesiculosus) – Our main algae species

This product is available in the following forms: Arctic Black Powder, Arctic Black Flakes and dried Arctic Black Raw Algae. This algae is also available as a non-organic variant.

Arctic Black, known by the common names bladder wrack,  black tang, rockweed, sea grapes, bladder fucus, sea oak, cut weed, dyers fucus, red fucus and rock wrack.

It is characterized by a midrib, is olive green and has paired blisters, one on each side of the midrib, but these may be missing. There are oval fruiting bodies that are often pointed and bipartite. The new shoots at the end are used. All seaweed species grow like a flower, with the newest at the end.

It was the original source of iodine, discovered in 1811, and was used extensively to treat goitre, a swelling of the thyroid gland related to iodine deficiency.

Areas of use
Very suitable for pickling both the shoots and the bladders. Brown algae can largely be used interchangeably. Can be used both fresh and dried. Dried seaweed can be soaked in water for approx. 10 minutes, then it will have a consistency like fresh again. As a sprinkle and seasoning, it is fine dried, can replace salt and is a flavor enhancer. Good for power especially as dried, as it does not require as large amounts as fresh. Put the brown algae in the marinade to get flavorings. Can be used in all types of dishes.

Arctic Black has been traditionally used as a food for centuries, especially in Ireland, Scotland and Great Britain.

Because of its many nutrients, it can also be used as a fertilizer in the form of mulch, which is added directly to the soil, or as part of compost. Actually Arctic Black lacks only two amino acids to have everything a human need to live.

But bladderwrack is not only interesting for humans and plants, but also for animals. Thanks to the micro-nutrients, it is ideal as an additive for animal feed including both cattle and fish.

Apart from its nutrients, bladderwrack can also be used for medical purposes. For example, it is recognised by the European Medicines Agency as an aid to weight reduction.

Arctic Black, is also used in cosmetics to soften dark circles under the eyes and reduce signs of fatigue. Bladderwrack also has a skin tightening effect, which gives the skin an overall younger appearance.

The powder is commonly used for food and dietary supplements.

Nutrients
Seaweed and kelp will add vitamins to the dish as in land plants and more minerals than any other food group. When dried, the algae becomes concentrated and the nutritional values ​​increase even in small amounts (such as a teaspoon). The nutritional values ​​also depend on harvest time and water quality / geography. Seaweed and kelp contain proteins, fatty substances such as Omega 3 and antioxidants. Complete nutritional content will eventually appear in matvaretabellen.no

Where and when
Is a seaweed that grows at the top of the shoreline along the entire Norwegian coast and the coasts of the North Sea, the western Baltic Sea and the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Growth period and best to harvest in spring, but the tips can also be picked the rest of the year when they look fresh. Collected in the spring zone where it has good flow and is not close to areas with polluted emissions.

Arctic Sweet (Saccharina latissima) – Our second species

Also known as Laminaria saccharina, Kombu Royale and Sugar Kelp.

Characterized by a short stem and wider leaves without a midrib. Length up to 4 meters and more. The blade itself resembles crocodile skin and is somewhat thicker in the middle than along the edges. Grows from below in transition stem to leaf. Last year’s leaves at the tip are often frayed and worn with a lot of growth on them and this part is cut away. Found along the entire coast in sheltered waters

Areas of use
This is a nutritious brown algae that can be used both fresh and dried. When drying, it can get a white coating which is sugar that tastes good and should be included in the food. The stem and the first part of the leaf are not used and should account for further growth. Sugar kelp can be used fresh (blanched) as a wrapping for pieces of fish or other things on the grill or in the oven. Can be dried and crushed to make seaweed seasoning. Can be eaten raw / fresh (blanched it becomes light green) and is also suitable as a nice accessory and decoration directly on the food plate. Sugar beets are also used to boil stock as a base for other dishes. Sugar kelp can be stored cold and dark (up to approx. 4 hours) before it is used in cooking. If it smells bad, it should not be used. Leftover food containing seaweed can deteriorate more quickly. Sugar kelp is one of the species with a high iodine content.

Arctic Sweet can play a significant role in cosmetics due to its anti-irritant properties and antioxidant capabilities. It can help protect the skin from external aggressions and reduce inflammation, as in acne-prone skin.

It is used as a possible UV protectant and for skin problems such as loss of elasticity and firmness. It can also help hydrate the skin in moisturizers.

On the skin’s surface, Arctic Sweet extract can reduce oil secretion, which can contribute to less oily skin.

Nutrients
Seaweed and kelp will add vitamins to the dish as in land plants and more minerals than any other food group. When dried, the algae becomes concentrated and the nutritional values ​​increase even in small amounts (such as a teaspoon). The nutritional values ​​also depend on harvest time and water quality / geography. Seaweed and kelp contain proteins, fatty substances such as Omega 3 and antioxidants. Complete nutritional content will eventually appear in matvaretabellen.no

Where and when
A species of brown algae found along the entire Norwegian coast. The growing period is early spring and the best harvesting period is spring / early summer, but can be harvested all year round. No other species resembles the Sugarfish. When gleaning, fresh fine leaves are used and any growths / growths are best cleaned away at the same time as gleaning. The attachment and lower part of the leaf should be left to ensure new growth. Rinse well in seawater. Collected in the spring zone where it has good flow and is not close to areas with polluted emissions.