Rockweed (Ascophyllum nodosum), also called knotted wrack, is a brown seaweed that grows abundantly along the North Atlantic coastline. It's found in the intertidal zone and fully submerged in the sub-littoral zone, where its air bladders help float it to the surface to access sunlight for photosynthesis. In less turbulent waters, rockweed can grow over 30 inches tall!
Rockweed contains a wide range of minerals, vitamins, and a host of bioactive compounds. These include fucoidan, a type of sulfated polysaccharide (complex sugar) that has been studied quite extensively and been shown to have properties such as anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, immune-enhancing, antiviral, and more. It also is a good source of iodine!
Rockweed is often used as a powder in green drinks, teas, or supplements for people, plants and animals. It is also tinctured for use in medicinal extracts. Like most other seaweeds, Rockweed's full complement of minerals and trace elements can create an alkalinizing effect in the body.
Our rockweed powder is harvested in the cold, clean waters of Iceland and dried at mild temperatures with renewable geothermal heat, helping heat-sensitive nutrients remain intact. Our whole leaf and coarse granule rockweed products are harvested in the Gulf of Maine, and they are also dried at moderate temperatures to preserve nutrients.
The Maine Coast Sea Vegetables Difference
Our rockweed is harvested from carefully selected beds of the North Atlantic in compliance with Organic standards, ensuring maximum quality and minimal contamination. We test for heavy metals, pesticides and herbicides, petroleum residues, radioactivity, and microbiological concerns. With over 40 years of experience & relationship building, we minimally process and package products in our Certified Organic facility in Hancock, Maine.
