TUNISIA EXPANDS USE OF SEAWEED IN FOOD PRODUCTION

Tunisia is expanding its harvesting of seaweed to use in a wide variety of foods ranging from confectionery to dairy products, according to reports.

Experts in the North African nation are looking at turning the marine harvest into meat substitutes and noodles, while outside of the food sector, it could be a starting point for the production of biodegradable bottles.

According to reports, while neighbouring nations such as Morocco have exploited their reserves of seaweed to the extent that yields have started to decline, Tunisia is said to be ensuring that harvests are sustainable.

Red seaweed in particular is being used to replace animal-based ingredients in a wide variety of processed foods in Tunisia.

On another continent, the Netherlands is working to make greater use of seaweed too, with the European Union and the Dutch authorities having put money into efforts to find ways to turn the material into biofuels and chemicals.

Ingredients are also being used in processed foods, with The Dutch Weed Burger company using Royal Kombu, a type of seaweed, in the production of plant-based burgers.

The company also produces weed balls that contain, among much else, seaweed flakes, and weed dogs, which are similar to hot dogs, seawharma, inspired by shawarmas, and sea nuggets.

The seaweed is harvested at a seaweed farm, Zeewaar, which was founded in 2013 and was awarded organic certification by the EU in 2018.

“At Zeewaar we believe in sustainable seaweed cultivation because it is good for people and planet,” the farm stated.

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