Kelp species supplied by Horizon Seaweed | Species guide

Atlantic wakame

Alaria esculenta aka Dabberlocks and winged kelp

Harvested to: Mar
Harvested from: - May

A large brown seaweed with a thick stem and translucent “wings” of light frond.

This species thrives low down on wave-beaten rocky shelves, just below sea spaghetti. The plants start growing rapidly in winter and reach their peak in late spring.

This is one of the few species that is now being farmed in Europe.

Typical uses: A cousin of the famous Asian wakame used in Miso soup, this seaweed has a smooth texture and a subtle flavour reminiscent of spinach. Ideal for salads, soups, seasoning and stir fries. Very versatile and rich in umami.

Food & drink Research

Kelp

Laminaria digitata aka Oarweed

Harvested to: Mar
Harvested from: - Nov

Kelp is abundant on almost all rocky coastline, often forming dense canopies on the low shore. A rich golden-brown colour with a long flexible frond that can reach several metres in length.

Kelp is closely related to sugar kelp and is almost identical to tangle, especially when young.

Typical uses: We do not sell kelp for direct human consumption, however it does have a myriad of non-food uses.

Beauty & cosmetics Biocompounds Research

Sugar kelp

Saccharina latissima aka Sweet kelp, sea belt and Devil's apron

Harvested to: May
Harvested from: - Jul

It is a yellowish-brown colour with a long narrow, undivided blade. The central stem is dimpled while the edges are smoother with a wavy finish.

Usually only found in rockpools on exposed shores, where its delicate fronds are protected from crashing waves.

Sugar kelp is the most commonly farmed species in Europe

Typical uses: Subtly salty umami and very rich in iodine. A little goes a long way. Ideal for Asian style soups and salads.

Biocompounds Research

Tangle

Laminaria hyperborea aka Cuvie

Harvested: Upon request

Tangle is closely related to Laminaria digitata and found right at the bottom of the low shore, extending into the subtidal. The lengthy fronds of both kelps are almost identical, but the two species can be distinguished by the stipes extending up from their holdfasts: tangle has a thick, rigid stem that stands up from the bedrock and is often covered in other seaweeds.

Tangle can only be harvested on the very strongest spring tides and so is not part of our core production. Our harvesters know it best as a seaweed that hosts the best quality dulse.

Typical uses: We do not sell tangle for direct human consumption, but its unique properties make it of interest for a range of applications.

Beauty & cosmetics Biocompounds Research

Atlantic wakame thumbnail — Months of wild harvest kelp production

We have developed a detailed knowledge of harvest seasons. Specifically, it may be possible to pick small quantities of a variety early in a season, but we delay first harvest until the rates reach commercial scale. Indicative seasons for our key species are given below. Please contact us if you would like to learn more about production months.

Kelp thumbnail — Months of wild harvest kelp production

We have developed a detailed knowledge of harvest seasons. Specifically, it may be possible to pick small quantities of a variety early in a season, but we delay first harvest until the rates reach commercial scale. Indicative seasons for our key species are given below. Please contact us if you would like to learn more about production months.

Species	January	February	March	April	May	June	July	August	September	October	November	December
Atlantic wakame Alaria esculenta	Is currently not available during January	Is currently not available during February	Is available during March	Is available during April	Is available during May	Is currently not available during June	Is currently not available during July	Is currently not available during August	Is currently not available during September	Is currently not available during October	Is currently not available during November	Is currently not available during December
Kelp Laminaria digitata	Is currently not available during January	Is currently not available during February	Is available during March	Is available during April	Is available during May	Is available during June	Is available during July	Is available during August	Is available during September	Is available during October	Is available during November	Is currently not available during December
Sugar kelp Saccharina latissima	Is currently not available during January	Is currently not available during February	Is currently not available during March	Is currently not available during April	Is available during May	Is available during June	Is available during July	Is currently not available during August	Is currently not available during September	Is currently not available during October	Is currently not available during November	Is currently not available during December
Tangle Laminaria hyperborea	Is currently not available during January	Is currently not available during February	Is available during March	Is available during April	Is available during May	Is available during June	Is available during July	Is available during August	Is available during September	Is available during October	Is currently not available during November	Is currently not available during December

We enjoy working with Peter and Hugh and are grateful to have a professional and reliable supply partner of fresh organic seaweed. Working with harvested raw biomass is vital for our work at SeaDyes. We have managed to overcome logistical challenges due to our location in Argyll, and the last batch of seaweed arrived in great condition, fresh and smelling like the sea. It was the most beautiful dulse I’ve ever seen. We look forward to working with Horizon Seaweed for many years to come and supporting the growth of Scotland's blue economy.

Jessica Giannotti, CEO, SeaDyes Ltd.

PlantSea’s vision to turn the tide on plastic pollution has been supported by Horizon Seaweed. As we develop and scale our biotechnology, the team have helped us understand wholesale seaweed supply and formats. They have always made every effort to work with us to explore our options and ensure they can meet our requirements. Not to mention, every order is always on time and in spec!

Alex Newnes, Co-founder, PlantSea

Horizon Seaweed provide the best customer support. It is really important for us with regards to traceability in our business that we know exactly where our ingredients come from and how they are harvested sustainably. The team is highly knowledgeable and the dialogue on scaling supply of different species is particularly helpful.

Missha Kim, General manager, The Secrets of Caledonia

It is important to Exale Brewing that we source interesting ingredients of the highest quality. Horizon Seaweed provided different varieties to trial so we could ensure the flavour in our award-winning Deep Dark Imperial Stout was just right.

Mark Hislop, Owner, Exale Brewing

We’ve found the knowledge and support of Horizon Seaweed to be first class. The products have been used successfully in our gins, with the first Coastal Edition winning gin of the year with the Craft Gin Club members in 2020.

Martin Murray, Founder, Dunnet Bay Distillery

I was keen on the idea of using seaweed for a plant-based foodservice product. There are lots of different types and the knowledgeable team at Horizon Seaweed were extremely helpful in guiding me towards the best solutions for my particular application.

Richard Fox, Plant-based chef, richardfox.tv

We have a long baking heritage and creating products of the highest quality is the key requirement for keeping our loyal customers happy. To that end, we have been delighted with everything we have sourced from Horizon Seaweed and use their ingredients in several of our products. The Horizon Seaweed team have been an absolute pleasure to deal with and we look forward to working with them in the years to come. We strongly recommend them and their fantastic range of products.

Donald Scott, Purchasing Manager, Stag Bakeries