North Otago treated to new taste

Rebecca Ryan | Tuesday, January 17, 2012 10:00

Thirty people explored the seaweed beds of Moeraki to learn about the nutritional values of seaweed at the weekend as part of the Sustainable Skills Summer School.

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North Otago got a taste of Asia in the weekend as 30 people explored the seaweed beds of Moeraki to learn about the nutritional values of seaweed.

Edible Seaweeds liaison officer Alison MacTavish said the course, one of 33 in the Sustainable Skills Summer School, was a huge success.

"It was a really good day. We were really lucky," she said.

As 30 students trawled through Moeraki's seaweed beds, tutors Sally Carson and Fleur Sullivan provided guidance to identify the seaweeds and explain their nutritional values and uses. Mrs MacTavish said seaweed, as a food source, had a variety of purposes and could provide a plethora of health benefits.

"It's full of vitamins and minerals, it's low in fat, high in protein and it's loaded with calcium and iron," she said.

"All seaweed is edible. Some aren't particularly palatable and you have to be careful where you get it from, but none are toxic."

But Mrs MacTavish said North Otago's seaweed was not being used as much as it could. "I would say that the whole of the North Otago coast is good for seaweed. People need to make the most of such a plentiful source," she said.