ALL ABOUT OUR WILD KELP

Did you know that there are approximately 1,500 marine species of kelp worldwide? All of Foraged & Founds tasty kelp products are made from 100% bullwhip kelp wild-harvested from Alaska's pristine ocean waters. Bullwhip kelp, scientifically known as nereocystis luetkeana, and commonly referred to as edible kelp, bull kelp, ribbon kelp, or seaweed is actually a type of brown macroalgae. This amazing superfood seaweed grows abundantly on rocky outcroppings and pinnacles from Alaska to Northern California. Its spores "take root" on underwater rock formations via a tiny but tenacious holdfast; from these holdfasts bullwhip kelp grows up and toward the surface of the ocean at rapid rates of up to 2 ft. per day – making it a very sustainable resource.

Their long, graceful "stalks," known as the stipe, begin to grow in the spring and usually arrive at maturity around the summer solstice. Bullwhip kelp continues to grow and strengthen throughout the summer, creating massive and beautiful underwater Kelp forests that are home to crustaceans and are recognized as one of the most productive and dynamic ecosystems on Earth. In late September and early fall, the long blades that lie on the surface of the water begin to create spores that drop back to the rocky bottom, and the growing cycle is ready to begin again!   

SUSTAINABLY WILD HARVESTED KELP

Foraged & Found harvests its wild-grown Alaskan kelp by contracting with local commercial fishermen who benefit from the opportunity to diversify their income streams and participate in Southeast Alaska's burgeoning mariculture and local foods industries. The harvesting process happens by special permit and only in certain locations, as dictated by the Alaska Department of Fish & Game. Sustainability is paramount to both our business and lifestyle, so we are careful to ensure that only a small percentage is selectively cut or “thin” from each natural kelp bed. Every piece is carefully cut by hand to ensure no harm is done to the holdfast (base of the kelp stalk) which is usually encrusted with small-shelled animals, or to the kelp forests and surrounding natural ecosystem. 

KELP: A SEAWEED SUPERFOOD

Move over kale, kelp is the new--better tasting--superfood kid on the block. Wild kelp provides trace minerals not often found in soil-farmed foods. It is calcium and fiber-rich, provides an excellent source of iodine, and contains vitamins and minerals in quantities rarely seen outside of supplement form. In fact, kelp is one of the best natural food sources of iodine and a natural fiber called alginate. According to the Scripps Institute of Oceanography, Kelp is categorized as a "superfood" because it is, "packed full of dietary fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential amino acids, kelp's nutritional properties seem endless. Kelp is also a powerhouse of vitamins A, C, and E, as well as B vitamins such as riboflavin, niacin, and thiamin, which aid in energy production and maintaining a proper metabolism." Wild Alaskan Ingredients are simply super-charged superfoods that you'll find nowhere else on Earth! And the best part about eating wild foods? They are naturally “organic” and “non-gmo.”  

WHAT DOES KELP TASTE LIKE?

If you’ve never had the pleasure of tasting kelp, you are you in for a treat! Kelp is great for adding fresh savory umami flavor to any dish and can be added to a variety of delectable kelp recipes. You can use it in veggie sushi or salad for starters, but it's also used in salad dressings, soups, and vegan “tuna” salad as it adds a nice "fishy" flavor. Rich in ocean-like umami flavor, our crunchy Kelp Pickles are a huge hit. But don’t take our word for it, read our customer reviews:

SHOP OUR GOURMET KELP PRODUCTS!