Introduction
Carrageen, New Quay, Co. Clare
Carrageen is a type of seaweed. Extracts from carrageen are found in many everyday products like, ice-cream, toothpaste and beer.
©M.D. Guiry; www.species.ieCarrageen, New Quay, Co. Clare
©M.D. Guiry; www.species.ie
©M.D. Guiry; www.species.ie
Carrageen, New Quay, Co. Clare
Carrageen is a type of seaweed. Extracts from carrageen are found in many everyday products like, ice-cream, toothpaste and beer.
©M.D. Guiry; www.species.ieHave you ever enjoyed an ice cream on a trip to the seaside? Have you ever found seaweed on the beach or on the rocks on the shore line?
The seaside is not the only thing which ice cream and seaweed have in common. In fact, if it was not for seaweed, you might not be able to enjoy a delicious ice cream on your day out. Did you know that many seaweeds contain a substance that is used in the manufacture of ice cream?
After a day at the seaside you will be very tired and ready for a good nights sleep. Before you go to bed, don't forget to brush your teeth. As you are squeezing toothpaste onto your toothbrush you might like to know that some seaweed extracts are found in toothpaste too!
Did you know...?
'Dilisk', or 'dulse' as it is sometimes known,'carrageen' and 'kelp' are types of seaweed.
History of Seaweed Harvesting in Ireland
Kelp, Finavarra. Co. Clare
Coastal communities in Ireland and Scotland used to harvest kelp, burn it and sell the ashes. The ashes contained substances which were used in glass making and pottery glazing.
© M.D. Guiry; www.species.ieKelp, Finavarra. Co. Clare
© M.D. Guiry; www.species.ie
© M.D. Guiry; www.species.ie
Kelp, Finavarra. Co. Clare
Coastal communities in Ireland and Scotland used to harvest kelp, burn it and sell the ashes. The ashes contained substances which were used in glass making and pottery glazing.
© M.D. Guiry; www.species.ieSeaweed has been harvested in Ireland for hundreds of years. A poem from the 12th century describes monks distributing edible seaweed to poor people. Kelp was harvested as far back as the 1600s. It was burnt in kelp kilns and substances found in the ashes used in the manufacture glass and soap and for pottery glazing. Some seaweeds were gathered and used as fertilizer in areas where soil was poor.
During the Famine, many communities were forced to rely on seaweed as a foodstuff when other foods were scarce. After the Famine, many people associated eating seaweed with poverty and hunger and would not eat it.
During the Famine, many communities were forced to rely on seaweed as a foodstuff when other foods were scarce. After the Famine, many people associated eating seaweed with poverty and hunger and would not eat it.
Sea Spaghetti, Spanish Point, Co. Clare
A variety of seaweed commonly known as 'sea spaghetti'.
© M.D. Guiry; www.species.ieSea Spaghetti, Spanish Point, Co. Clare
© M.D. Guiry; www.species.ie
© M.D. Guiry; www.species.ie
Sea Spaghetti, Spanish Point, Co. Clare
A variety of seaweed commonly known as 'sea spaghetti'.
© M.D. Guiry; www.species.ieAt the turn of the 20th century it was popular to bathe in baths of seaweed and hot water when visiting a seaside resort, like the ones in Salthill in Galway and Howth in Dublin. A number of businesses running seaweed baths still operate today.
These days, seaweed is seen as a healthy food and is sold in health food shops. A number of companies in Ireland make seaweed based cosmetic products. Some seaweed is still harvested for use as fertilizer and and also for the substances which are used in many foods like ice-cream.