FAQ

What is seaweed?

Short answer: seaweed are marine plants that are packed with nutrients! In more detail, seaweed is a subgroup of algae, which are in turn subdivided into microalgae and macroalgae. Seaweed is a collective name for macroalgae, i.e. algae that we can see with the naked eye. There are three different types of macroalgae: brown algae (e.g. sugar kelp), red algae (e.g. nori) and green algae (e.g. sea lettuce). If you want to find out even more, read here.

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What species of pine trees does Nordic Seafarm grow?

Sugar kelp (brown seaweed) is the variety we grow most at the moment. We are constantly developing new species that can be grown sustainably and on a large scale. The next varieties are the green seaweed Sea Lettuce and the red seaweed Dulse (also known as the bacon of the sea). Stay tuned!

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How does sugar kelp taste?

Some describe sugar kelp as an umami bomb and others as a big dose of the sea. Packed with flavour, the sugar snapdragon is in any case with a little touch of sweetness. Try it for yourself ;)

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How do I use sugar kelp in cooking?

Use dried sugar kelp flakes as a seasoning in sauces, condiments or sprinkle on salads. If you can get your hands on fresh (or blanched and frozen) sugar kelp, try wrapping a piece of fish in the seaweed and putting it on the grill. Or why not throw some seaweed into your omelette? Find recipes and more cooking inspiration here.

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Is sugar kelp useful?

If you want to eat essential nutrients, there are good reasons to eat (sugar)seaweed. Sugar kelp contains minerals, vitamins, fibre and antioxidants. In particular, it is an excellent source of natural iodine. Iodine is essential for a functioning metabolism and can thus help boost energy levels. Other nutrients rich in sugar kelp are iron, magnesium, calcium, potassium, and vitamins A, C, D and K. Of these, iron is important for oxygenation of the body, and calcium and vitamin K are vital for bone health.

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How does seaweed grow?

Seaweed grows wild in all our seas around the world. At Nordic Seafarm we don't harvest wild seaweed, but our seaweed is grown on ropes a few metres below the sea surface. Growing seaweed is more gentle on the marine environment especially when the seaweed is to be harvested for edible consumption. The seaweed does not require fertilisers or pesticides, but grows solely from sunlight and the nutrients dissolved in the water.

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Is seaweed environmentally friendly?

Seaweed is a very climate-smart raw material with incredibly low emissions from production. The environmental benefits are many and can be broken down into a number of points:

Seaweed binds nutrients dissolved in our oceans, reducing eutrophication wherever the seaweed ends up next.
The seaweed does not require land area or fresh water.
The seaweed does not need to be sprayed with pesticides or fertilised, which is associated with carbon dioxide emissions.
The pliers can be a carbon sink depending on the application. For example, if it is used as infill in building materials, the seaweed becomes climate positive as it is taken out of the carbon cycle.

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How much sugar kelp can I eat per day?

Different types of steam vary in their nutritional content. Sugar kelp is particularly rich in the mineral iodine. Iodine is a vital mineral that we should consume for a functioning metabolism. However, there is an upper limit to daily intake (as the vast majority of minerals and vitamins have) which means that iodine should not be over-consumed. Blanching (rapid boiling at 80°C for about 2min) is one technique to reduce the high iodine content of sugar kelp. At Nordic Seafarm most seaweed is blanched before use in products (such as the sugar seaweed in Seaweed). Dried sugar kelp flakes are higher in iodine and should be eaten in moderation. Use dried sugar kelp as a flavouring and do not exceed the daily recommended intake of ¼ teaspoon.

Read more about iodine on the Swedish Food Administration's website here.

Does seaweed contain heavy metals?

Sugar kelp is below all limits for heavy metals and is considered safe to eat, at least when grown on the Swedish west coast.

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Where can I buy your products?

Check out your nearest store here or shop online with us!

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