Until recently, seaweed for most Americans was nothing but a nuisance, clinging to us as we swim in the ocean and stinking up the beach as it rots in the sun. With the ever-growing popularity of sushi restaurants across the country, however, seaweed is becoming a substantial part of our total food intake. And even as we dine with delight on maki, miso soup, and seaweed salads, very few of us have any idea of the nutritional value of seaweed. Here celebrated scientist Ole G. Mouritsen, drawing on his fascination with and enthusiasm for Japanese cuisine, champions seaweed as a staple food while simultaneously explaining its biology, ecology, cultural history, and gastronomy. Mouritsen takes readers on a comprehensive tour of seaweed, describing what seaweeds actually are (algae, not plants) and how people of different cultures have utilized them since prehistoric times for a whole array of purposes—as food and fodder, for the production of salt, in medicine and cosmetics, as fertilizer, in construction, and for a number of industrial end uses, to name just a few. He reveals the vast abundance of minerals, trace elements, proteins, vitamins, dietary fiber, and precious polyunsaturated fatty acids found in seaweeds, and provides instructions and recipes on how to prepare a variety of dishes that incorporate raw and processed seaweeds. Approaching the subject from not only a gastronomic but also a scientific point of view, Mouritsen sets out to examine the past and present uses of this sustainable resource, keeping in mind how it could be exploited for the future. Because seaweeds can be cultivated in large quantities in the ocean in highly sustainable ways, they are ideal for battling hunger and obesity alike. With hundreds of delectable illustrations depicting the wealth of species, colors, and shapes of seaweed, Seaweeds: Edible, Available, and Sustainable makes a strong case for granting these “vegetables from the sea” a prominent place in our kitchens.

Global warming is accelerating faster than the ability for natural repair, and environmental stresses are damaging ecosystems, all affecting physical and biological systems on Earth. A new Nasa-led study shows that human activity has caused climate changes resulting in permafrost thawing, acid rain, and lower productivity in lakes as well as increased emissions of greenhouse gases, including CO2, N20, CH4, CF3, and CFC. Marine plants play a vital role in maintaining the balance of marine environments, while serving as a source of food for humankind and important chemical compounds. Microalgae and seaweed have enormous potential for reducing global warming and climate change. During photosynthesis algae grow, draw CO2 from the atmosphere, release oxygen, and produce solar biofuel. Experts in the life of marine plant ecosystems in globally changing environments contributed chapters to this book. The target readers are phycologists, ecologists, atmospheric scholars, conservationists, environmentalists, and ecologically aware laymen.

Algae, including seaweeds and microalgae, contribute nearly 30 percent of world aquaculture production (measured in wet weight), primarily from seaweeds. Seaweeds and cmicroalgae generate socio-economic benefits to tens of thousands of households, primarily in coastal communities, including numerous women empowered by seaweed cultivation. Various human health contributions, environmental benefits and ecosystem services of seaweeds and microalgae have drawn increasing attention to untapped potential of seaweed and microalgae cultivation. Highly imbalanced production and consumption across geographic regions implies a great potential in the development of seaweed and microalgae cultivation. Yet joint efforts of governments, the industry, the scientific community, international organizations, civil societies, and other stakeholders or experts are needed to realize the potential. This document examines the status and trends of global algae production with a focus on algae cultivation, recognizes the algae sector’s existing and potential contributions and benefits, highlights a variety of constraints and challenges over the sector’s sustainable development, and discusses lessons learned and way forward to unlock full potential in algae cultivation and FAO’s roles in the process. From a balanced perspective that recognizes not only the potential of algae but also constraints and challenges upon the realization of the potential, information and knowledge provided by this document can facilitate evidence-based policymaking and sector management in algae development at the global, regional and national levels.

This comprehensive volume is a review on the pivotal role of seaweeds in the blue bioeconomy. It begins by introducing the blue bioeconomy concept which encompasses the use of renewable biological marine resources to produce food, materials and energy. The book then continues to explore the applications of seaweeds. Chapters cover the biomedical applications (nutraceuticals), functional applications (functional ingredients, biofertilizers), and commercial applications (cosmeceuticals, animal feeds) of seaweeds. Each chapter is structured into sections to provide an easy to understand summary of respective topics, with detailed discussions that reveal the intricate nature of seaweeds. The book shares perspectives from experts in environmental science and biology, with references for advanced readers. The book is for anyone who wants to understand the role of seaweeds in the bioeconomy and for sustainable development.

Applications of Seaweeds in Food and Nutrition provides an overview on the cultural, biological and engineering dimensions relating to seaweed as a food. With the need for sustainable and healthy foods growing, this comprehensive resource explores how seaweeds can deliver not only nutritional benefits, but also antiviral and antibacterial properties as a food additive and within food processing and manufacturing. Recent developments show that the use of seaweed extracts as a compound can prevent browning. It use in other areas such as a thickening and gelling agents in foods and cosmetics is also encouraging. There are hundreds of different varieties of seaweed known to mankind, yet very little literature is available on the processing of these "crops." This book provides these valuable and practical insights. - Introduces the origin of seaweed consumption and its biology - Examines common seaweed varieties of industrial interest and their chemical composition - Explores the potential of robotics and AI techniques in seaweed aquaculture

Bioactive Seaweed Substances for Functional Food Applications: Natural Ingredients for Healthy Diets presents various types of bioactive seaweed substances and introduces their applications in functional food products. Presenting summaries of the substances derived from seaweed, this book systematically explores new ingredients and the bioactive substances that are both environmentally friendly and highly beneficial to human health. This evidence-based resource offers an abundance of information on the applications of seaweed as a solution to meet an increasing global demand for sustainable food sources. It is an essential reference for anyone involved in seaweed substance research, seaweed processing, and food and health disciplines. - Discusses the use of bioactive seaweed substances as a new class of food ingredients - Outlines the use of seaweed as gelling agents used for food restructuring, coating and encapsulation - Systematically explores new ingredients and the bioactive substances that are both environmentally friendly and highly beneficial to human health

Seaweed is used in many countries for very different purposes - directly as food, especially in sushi, as a source of phycocolloids, extraction of compounds with antiviral, antibacterial or antitumor activity and as biofertilizers. About four million tons of seaweed are harvested annually worldwide. Of the various species known, less than 20 accoun

Marine plant life is an abundant source of nutrients that enhance the daily diet. In recent years, consuming diets rich in seaweeds or their extracts have been shown to provide health benefits due to being rich in macronutrients, micronutrients and nutraceuticals. The commercial value of seaweeds for human consumption is increasing annually, and some countries harvest several million tons annually. The seaweeds industry is valued at around $12 billion in 2017, and supports millions of families worldwide. Seaweeds production grew globally by 30 million tons in 2016. Seaweeds have seen increasing usage in the food industry due to their abundance of beneficial nutrients, vitamins and ω–3 fatty acids. To date there have been no books that comprehensively cover up-to-date information on seaweeds cultivation, processing, extraction and nutritional properties. This text lays out the properties and effects of seaweeds from their use as bioresources to their use in the feed industry to their applications in wastewater management and biofuels. Sustainable Global Resources Of Seaweeds Volume 1: Industrial Perspectives offers a complete overview of seaweeds from their cultivation and processing steps to their bioactive compounds and Industrial applications, while also providing the foundational information needed to understand these plants holistically. Chapters in this volume focus on seaweeds bioresources, ecology and biology, composition and cultivation, plus usage of seaweeds extracts for the feed industry. An entire section is dedicated to waste water treatment, bioremediation, biofuel and biofertilizer application of seaweeds. For any researcher in need of a comprehensive and up-to-date single source on seaweeds cultivation, this volume provides all the information necessary to gain a thorough understanding of this ever-important product.

For a Limited time only - A Special Early-Bird launch discount price. For many people the nearest they get to seaweed as a food is the crispy fried side-dish served in Chinese eateries. However, that menu item is usually made from fried green cabbage or kale, and is about as far removed from the true vegetables of the sea and sea life as one could possibly get. Cooking with Seaweed is a cookery book designed for anyone wanting to explore the world of edible seaweeds - mainly in northern temperate Europe. Over one hundred recipes and ways of preparing edible seaweed are covered; ranging from the inclusion of seaweed in soups and salads, to meat dishes and breads.