4 Uses For Guernsey Seaweed That Might Surprise You

 

Living on an island, it’s no surprise that seaweed (or vraic as it’s known locally) is all around us. But have you noticed that it has been cropping up in more unusual ways over the past few years? With so many local businesses finding sustainable ways to tap into this natural resource, we’ve taken a look at some of the creative ways they are working with the many different types of marine plants and algae that flourish in our local waters.

It's no longer just something you see on the beach. Guernsey seaweed is making its way into skincare products, onto the kitchen table, into healthcare products and you can even find it pressed, preserved and framed, ready to brighten up a spot on the wall in your home. And as well as helping us to enjoy the many diverse benefits of seaweed, it’s clear that the locals working with seaweed love their jobs.

 

 

“It’s the most amazing and satisfying feeling knowing you are using something nature has freely given to you, that’s organic and healthy and sustainable, and this usually all happens while the sun is shining and everyone else is indoors or at work.”  

 

1.  Seaweed Skincare

Local skincare brand Maiiro is making waves in the global beauty industry. The name is a play on the Guernsey patois word for the sea "maiir" and it’s magic ingredient is seaweed, which is sustainably harvested in local waters. Inspiration for the luxury skincare range came from founder Katy Rowe's grandmother, who spent time in her youth foraging on Guernsey beaches for specific seaweeds which gave her a lifelong glowing complexion. 

Katy from Maiiro shared her thoughts on foraging for seaweed, telling us “It’s the most amazing and satisfying feeling knowing you are using something nature has freely given to you, that’s organic and healthy and sustainable, and this usually all happens while the sun is shining and everyone else is indoors or at work.” 

 

2.  Seaweed Seasoning

The Seaweed Food Co. harvests seaweed from the Guernsey coastline and dries it to produce little tins of natural seasonings that can be added to dishes when cooking or sprinkled over your meal at the table. Founders Ben and Naomi carefully select and hand pick the seaweeds they use, with the temperatures and clean water around the island providing a perfect environment for the seaweed to thrive.

In their words “The beautiful scenery makes our job of hand collecting seaweed one of the best! These 'sea vegetables' are full of vitamins, minerals and trace elements (it's good for you!) and gives a special umami taste to your food. What more could you ask for?”

 

3.  Seaweed Sanitiser

When the pandemic hit our shores, it soon became apparent that demand for hand sanitiser would very quickly outstrip demand, but luckily for us two local companies, Guernsey Seaweed and The Channel Islands Liquor Company, worked together to resolve the problem and their successful collaboration resulted in the first seaweed hand sanitiser being developed here in Guernsey. The vitamins, minerals and nutrients that are found in seaweed work to counteract the alcohol, which kills bacteria but can be harsh on the skin.

Ben from Guernsey Seaweed is the island’s only seaweed farmer and it’s obvious that he is passionate about the stuff. When he’s not out harvesting seaweed to make sanitisers and fertilisers for plants - a process that has been going on in Guernsey for centuries - he shares his extensive knowledge of the history of seaweed and its many uses by giving hands-on foraging tours. You’ll not only learn from Ben about how seaweed is used in cosmetics, farming and fashion - yes, fashion! - but you’ll also get the chance to eat a few different varieties that you pick fresh from the beach. 

 

 

4.  Seaweed Art

If you’re looking for original artwork with a local twist, then Lull could be just what you’ve been waiting for. Lull offers a collection of seaweed presses which are framed to celebrate the colourful biodiversity of our shores.

When you're a seaweed artist, your working day starts on a new print with a stroll along the coastline or a swim across the bay (what a job!) to find unusual and interesting specimens, which are handpicked to capture a moment in time. You can make a request if you have a special place or even a special date you’d like captured, and the specimens are all identified and labelled. Unique, local and educational too! What’s not to love.