Sea Lettuce

Sea Lettuce (Ulva lactuca) Wikimedia image Sea lettuce is a type of green seaweed found in oceans around the world.  At first look, sea lettuce is bright green in color with paler ruffled edges.  Closer examination shows that the frond is actually translucent or semi-transparent as it is only two cell layers thick!  The frond, which can reach lengths up to 3 feet, extends from a small disc that acts as a holdfast, securing it to rocks or other solid surfaces.  Sea lettuce typically occurs in dense groups and, in some cases, floating free in the water.  It is usually found in shallow water near the intertidal zone, but is also common in deeper, protected bays.   Just like the name suggests, this marine algae is edible!!   In fact, it is fairly nutritious and contains proteins, healthy sugars, many vitamins and minerals, and low fat content.  It is most often eaten raw in soups and salads but can also be consumed dried.  If you are a sushi eater you may have already tried sea lettuce.  In its dried form sea lettuce is often used as an outer wrap for many types of sushi.  If you do want to try it fresh from the beach, you should wash it well first. Set as favorite Bookmark Email This Hits: 1205 Trackback(0) TrackBack URI for this entry Comments (0) Subscribe to this comment's feed Write comment Name Email Comment smaller | bigger Subscribe via email (Registered users only) I have read and agree to the Terms of Usage. Write the displayed characters Add Comment

Last Updated ( Monday, 10 March 2008 )

 

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