Rockweed (Ascophyllum nodosum), also called knotted kelp, is a brown seaweed that grows commonly along the North Atlantic coastline. It grows in the intertidal zone and fully submerged in the sub-littoral zone where it utilizes air bladders to stand tall to access the sunlight for photosynthesis. In less turbulent waters, rockweed can grow over 30 inches tall!
Rockweed is rich in 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 has 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 low temperatures using geothermal heat, so the heat-sensitive nutrients remain intact. Our whole leaf and coarse granule Rockweed are harvested in the Gulf of Maine and also low temperature dried.
The Maine Coast Sea Vegetables Difference
Our rockweed is harvested from carefully selected beds of the North Atlantic to be 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.
