Slimy whip weed | DE L'EAU À LA BOUCHE

Illustration couleur d'un vermicelle de mer.

Algue en forme de fils.

De couleur variant entre le brun foncé et le noir.

Fronde constituée d’un axe principal, auquel sont rattachées de longues ramifications de 3 mm de largeur maximum, ressemblant à un fouet. Ces fils peuvent en porter de nombreux autres, plus courts.

Nom

Slimy whip weed
Chordaria flagelliformis

Type

Brown algae

Autres appellations

Nom en cuisine

État de la ressource

Not determined

Saison de consommation

Not yet available in Quebec.

SIZE : 10 cm to 30 cm, can reach up to 70 cm.

LIFE EXPECTANCY : Less than one year.

LIFE CYCLE : The reproductive process is still unclear to scientists. The assumption is that slimy whip weed reproduces like other brown algae. However, no evidence has yet been found to validate this theory.

Brown algae reproduce sexually. Spores are released, giving birth to organisms called gametophytes. These produce male and female reproductive cells. When they meet, a new alga is formed.

Coastal zone, up to 3 m deep.

PREYS :

CO2
Solar energy

PREDATORS :

Herbivorous molluscs

This algae is not yet commercially harvested in Quebec.

BENEFITS :
Brown algae from the Chordariaceae family contain a number of health-promoting elements, such as dietary fiber and antioxidants.

Moreover, certain isolated compounds are thought to have potential anti-coagulant, anti-viral, and immunological properties.

LET’S COOK :
Slimy whip weed is in the same family as mozuku (Chordariaceae), an algae from the Okinawa region of Japan. It could therefore be eaten in a similar way. Traditionally, the Japanese serve this type of algae raw in a vinegar sauce. They also use it in soups. Slimy whip weed is said to have a “slightly slimy, yet appetizing” texture.