Bull Whip Kelp
By: Kelly Ann Nickerson
Bull Whip Kelp
Latin Name: Nereocycstis luetkeana
Brown Algae
Bull whip kelp forest, photographer unknown.
‘All seaweeds are edible, they are just not all palatable.’ –Dr. Ryan Drum
Did you know that the Latin name for bull whip kelp, nereocycstis, is Greek for mermaid’s bladder? Bladder must refer to the bulb attached to the stipe. You can think of the stipe as the seaweed’s stem, which reaches lengths up to 118’! Seaweeds are always attached to the ocean’s bottom, attached by a holdfast, usually on a small rock. The bull whip kelp leaves (known as blades), which we harvest as food and medicine, are brought to the surface of the ocean by the bulb (filled with carbon monoxide for flotation) and the blades are then able to catch the sun’s rays for photosynthesis and grow rapidly in the summer months.
The single most important nutrient provided by seaweeds in Iodine. Iodine is more abundant in seaweeds than in any plants and is required for humans. Iodine makes up thyroid hormones, which controls all fetal development and regular metabolic activity. Secondly, kelp is particular high in potassium, a necessary mineral for nerve and muscle function. Potassium is helpful for those who have behavioral and mental imbalance as well as fibromyalgia, exhaustion, moodiness, anxiety, and depression. Feeding the nerves and muscles can do wonders. Also abundant in seaweeds: sodium, calcium, & magnesium.
Harvested locally in the San Juan Islands, this is an exceptionally delicious nutritional supplement. In fact, my mentor, Dr. Ryan Drum calls bull whip kelp the world’s tastiest and easiest kelp to eat. I would have to agree! Dr. Drum’s open-faced bull whip kelp sandwich is one of my favorites: good bread, olive oil, and powdered kelp loaded atop; great in smoothies, soups and any time that you would add salt, use kelp instead.
Open-faced bull whip kelp sandwich, Kelly Ann Nickerson
References:
Sea Vegetables for food and medicine. ryandrum.com. 04 March 2020