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.

Our recommended applications for atlantic wakame

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.

Our recommended applications for kelp

Sugar kelp

Saccharina latissima aka Sweet kelp, sea belt and Devil's apron
Saccahrina latissima, sugar kelp seaweed in a rock pool.
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.

Our recommended applications for sugar kelp

Tangle

Laminaria hyperborea aka Cuvie
Laminaria hyperborea tangle kelp washed by a current through a gully on the low shore
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.

Our recommended applications for tangle

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
Atlantic wakame thumbnail
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
Kelp thumbnail
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
Saccahrina latissima, sugar kelp seaweed in a rock pool. thumbnail
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
Laminaria hyperborea tangle kelp washed by a current through a gully on the low shore thumbnail
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

Case studies in the kelps industry

The rest of our species line-up