Sea Lettuce (Ulva) from Oléron

1) Who am I?

Sea lettuce, scientifically known as Ulva sp., is a green algae that grows naturally in coastal waters. Native to the Oléron Island region, this algae is harvested through a meticulous process including collection, washing, wringing, drying, and grinding.

Composition:

Sea lettuce is rich in vitamins (notably A, B12, C), minerals (calcium, magnesium, potassium), and proteins. It is also an excellent source of dietary fiber and antioxidants, contributing to a healthy, balanced diet.

Flavor:

Sea lettuce has a mildly salty taste with nutty notes. Its texture is tender yet crunchy, making it enjoyable to eat raw or cooked.

2) Culinary Uses

Sea lettuce is very versatile and can be used in various culinary preparations:

• Salads: Add it raw to your salads for a crunchy, marine touch.
• Soups and Broths: Incorporate it into vegetable or fish soups to enhance flavor and nutrition.
• Sides: Serve it as a side dish with fish or seafood.
• Seasoning: Use it as a topping on rice, pasta, or vegetables.

3) A Bit of History

Our sea lettuce is cultivated on Oléron Island, a site known for its exceptional marine biodiversity. This unique location allows for the natural growth of algae from April to the end of September, conditioned by specific weather factors. The lagoon system consists of 4 series of 3 basins, each covering a total area of 500 m². Harvesting is carried out with an amphibious machine, and the algae are then carefully processed to ensure the best possible quality.

This region, rich in history and tradition, values sustainable and environmentally-friendly production. The local expertise, combined with modern techniques, ensures algae production that meets CEVA recommendations for microbiology and heavy metals.

4) Recipe Ideas

• Sea Lettuce and Avocado Salad: Mix fresh sea lettuce with avocado slices, cherry tomatoes, and a drizzle of lemon olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.

• Miso Soup with Sea Lettuce: Add sea lettuce flakes to your homemade miso soup. Serve with tofu, shiitake mushrooms, and chives.

• Sea Lettuce Fried Rice: Sauté sea lettuce powder with crunchy vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, peas) and cooked rice. Finish with soy sauce and sesame seeds.

• Seafood Pasta with Sea Lettuce: Incorporate sea lettuce flakes into a creamy seafood sauce and serve with al dente pasta.

This variety of marine algae is a true gem of the sea, ready to enrich your cooking with flavors and nutritional benefits. Try these recipes and more to fully appreciate sea lettuce in your daily diet.