Palmaria palmata

Palmaria palmata

Plant Family

Palmariaceae

Botanical Description

Dulse is a red seaweed with flat, red to purple fronds 10-50 cm long, resembling the palm of a hand. It attaches to rocks by a small disc-shaped holdfast.

Cautions

High in iodine - use caution with thyroid conditions. May accumulate heavy metals from polluted waters. Harvest from clean areas only.

Habitat

Rocky intertidal and subtidal zones in cold northern waters.

Harvest Instructions

Harvested by hand at low tide. Cut or pluck from rocks, leaving holdfast to regenerate.

Geographic Distribution

North Atlantic and North Pacific coasts including Iceland, Ireland, and eastern Canada.

Growth Conditions

Grows attached to rocks in cold, clean seawater.

Plant Size

10-50 cm

Effects on the Body

Highly nutritious, rich in minerals especially iodine. Supports thyroid function. Good source of protein for vegetarians.

Active Constituents

Iodine, iron, potassium, magnesium, vitamins A, C, E, B vitamins, protein, fiber.

Safety Information

Dosage

As food: a few grams daily. Not to exceed recommended iodine intake.

Culinary Use

Eaten dried as snack (chewy texture). Added to soups, stews, salads. Popular in Irish and Canadian Maritime cuisine.

Folklore & Historical Use

Traditional food in Ireland, Iceland, and Atlantic Canada for centuries. Important source of nutrients in coastal communities.

Scientific Research

Limited clinical research available. Nutritional studies confirm high protein, mineral (especially iodine), and vitamin content. Contains bioactive peptides with documented ACE-inhibitory activity in vitro.