Facts about Alaria esculenta

Alaria esculenta is a type of brown seaweed that typically ranges from 1 to 3 meters in length. It features a root-like holdfast and a small stipe that extends into a midrib running the length of the blade. The blade itself is very soft and flexible, reaching up to 2 meters in length and 40 cm in width. From the stipe, small blade-like structures called sporophylls, which can grow up to 20 cm, emerge and contain the seaweed's spores. 

Alaria esculenta typically inhabits the low water mark and subtidal zones up to about 8 meters deep on exposed rocky shores, though it has been recorded at depths of up to 35 meters. It is widely distributed across the North Atlantic and parts of the North Pacific. In Europe, its range extends from Novaya Zemlya to Iceland and south to Brittany. In North America, it spans from Greenland to the Bering Strait. Additionally, it is found in the Bering Sea and the Sea of Japan. 

Alaria esculenta has long been a staple food in countries such as Greenland, Iceland, Ireland, and Scotland. It boasts a sweet flavour and is an excellent source of essential nutrients, including minerals like potassium, calcium, magnesium, and iodine, as well as vitamins B and C. Additionally, it contains bioactive compounds such as fucoxanthin, which has antioxidant properties, and polysaccharides that offer potential health benefits, including immune-boosting effects. 

Alaria esculenta can be used for a variety of purposes from human consumption and alginate production to fodder and bodycare products. It is rapidly gaining popularity in the natural foods market. It is used for anti-aging body creams, foot creams, bath soaks, body and face masks, body polish, UV-protecting facial moisturizers, self-tanning lotions, lip balm, day- and night-creams, and nutritional supplements to name a few. It is high in calcium, Vitamins A, B2, B6, B12, K, iodine, and bromine, and also contains Vitamin C, nitrogen, boron, radium, rubidium, cadmium, cobalt, nickel, and trace elements. It is rich in sugars, proteins, vitamins and other trace metals and contains up to 42% alginic acid.