Algae :: Sea weed

Recently, I interviewed someone from the Island of Orkney, off the northern shore of Scotland. He expound the seas as being nutrient rich and crystal clear. Traditionally, sea weed, (called sea vegetables in Scotland) has been used for herbal remedies, food products, zoology food, cosmetics, and fertilizers. Two of the major species I was informed of were Laminaria, and Carrageen Chondrus crispus (Irish moss). Laminaria, (comm whole called "kelp") has it has the ability to re- result extremely fast, making it an almost infinitely sustainable crop. Auxins, gibberellins and cytokinins exist in large amounts, which are used for animal food supplements. Laminaria is the main seaweed used in Scotland, but Red-weed, green-weed, purple-weed, and pinkweed each with its own unique benefits. The various species are used for health products, cosmetics and natural fertilizers for gardens. The seaweed is presently used for animal and human consumption. Red seaweed gel is used for respi ratory problems in animals, (particularly horses), and green seaweed gel, is used as an animal food supplement for growth and minerals. For human consumption, Red seaweed extract is used as a general tonic and Red seaweed beautifying cream and a seaweed skin rub for sports people. An interesting occurrence is that Orkney Golds Seaweed Supreme won The Scottish Food Award in 1995 and 1996. It is made of different flavored kelp dips which can be substituted for tartar sauce, horse radish, mint sauce, dips for French fries, transmit for sandwiches and salad dressings. The old Norse word for seaweed is tang and gathering ther tangs, as it used to wash up on the beaches after each winter storm. It was also the only form of land nutrition available to the crofters and early farmers.