A FLOURISHING GARDEN BENEATH THE SEA
In Norway, Ascophyllum nodosum has been used since ancient times both as fertilizer and animal feed.
Man’s use of seaweed as a precious resource also originated from other populations. Ancient Greeks spread seaweed for fertilizer, Cretans used it for dye, Romans for animal feed, and since Roman times in Britain, the Welsh put it in their lava bread - laver being Latin for water plant. It had been chewed like tobacco in Iceland, burned to ashes for its extracts in Norway, and distilled to make brandy in Britain. The French enjoy it for dessert and in Japan it is eaten raw, boiled and dried.
For millions of years, minerals have been washed from the landmasses of the earth into the oceans. That is why seaweeds are often a rich source of minerals, trace elements, and other nutrients. Different kinds of seaweeds are harvested on every continent. By far the largest quantity is consumed as alginates.
THE FINEST BROWN SEAWEED
One of the richest seaweeds harvested for its beneficial effects is Ascophyllum nodosum. It is a large, brown alga in the Class Phaeophyceae. It is also known as Norwegian Kelp, Knotted Kelp, knotted wrack or egg wrack. It grows only in the tidal zones of the North Atlantic coasts. Ascophyllum nodosum forms a single bladder centrally in long, flattened strap-like fronds. The fronds are olive-brown in colour and somewhat compressed but without a mid-rib. They can reach 2 m in length and are attached by a holdfast to rocks and boulders. Many fronds grow from the base and the plant generally regenerates new fronds from the base when one of the larger fronds is damaged. It reproduces in spring and it may take four to five years before becoming fertile.
ARCTIC QUALITY SEAWEED
Norwegian Ascophyllum nodosum is found in the coldest and cleanest water, where it withstands both the winter frost and the unique light conditions of summer months. Northern Norway is called the Land of the Midnight Sun. With 24 hours of daylight during the summer, certain chemical compounds are naturally produced in Arctic Norwegian seaweed in increased quantities compared to seaweed grown in other zones of the World. Algea is the only seaweed producer that can maximize this natural competitive advantage inherent in its geographical locations. In fact Algea is the one with a plant in the Arctic Circle. Utilizing Arctic seaweeds, Algea can supply the finest quality seaweed products. The Norwegian Ascophyllum nodosum processed by Algea is an ideal ingredient for healthy and functional foods, cosmetics, animal feed and fertilizers.
