Did you know that seaweed is being used as an ingredient in some craft beers?
Yes, you read that right – seaweed! While it might sound strange at first, seaweed can actually add a unique flavor and texture to beer that you won’t find in other brews.
Seaweed has been used in various ways for thousands of years, from food to medicine to fertilizer.
But in recent years, it’s also been making its way into the world of craft beer.
Seaweed in Beer Brewing
- Seaweed, a type of marine algae, has been used in beer brewing for centuries, and it’s not just a gimmick.
- Seaweed can add unique flavors and aromas to beer and is also high in nutrients like iodine and magnesium.
- Seaweed contains various nutrients and minerals that can benefit the body, and it also has a distinct umami flavor that can enhance the taste of beer.
- Some breweries have even started experimenting with different types of seaweed to create new and interesting flavor profiles.
History of Seaweed in Beer Brewing
Seaweed has been used in beer brewing for centuries, particularly in coastal regions of Scotland and Ireland. In the past, brewers would collect seaweed from the shore and add it to the beer during brewing.
Seaweed was used as a source of minerals and nutrients and for its unique flavor and aroma.
Today, seaweed beer is still brewed in Scotland and other coastal regions and craft breweries worldwide.
Some breweries use local seaweed varieties, while others import seaweed from other regions.
Types of Seaweed Used in Beer Brewing
Several types of seaweed are commonly used in beer brewing, including:
- Sugar kelp: a brown seaweed with a sweet, mild flavor
- Dulse: a red seaweed with a salty, smoky flavor
- Kelpie: a brown seaweed with a salty, savory flavor
- Bull kelp: a brown seaweed with a mild, nutty flavor
- Kale: a green seaweed with a salty, earthy flavor
Different seaweed varieties can add different flavors and aromas to beer, from sweet, mild, salty, and savory.
Seaweed Beer Examples
In Scotland, the Williams Brothers Brewing Company has created a Scottish beer called “Kelpie Seaweed Ale,” which is made with dried seaweed. The beer has a salty, savory flavor and is described as a “unique beer experience.”
The Portsmouth Brewery in New Hampshire, USA, has also experimented with seaweed beer, creating a beer called “Kelpius,” which is made with dulse seaweed.
The beer has a smoky, salty flavor and is described as a “briny, savory treat.”
Benefits of Seaweed in Beer
Seaweed adds a distinct flavor profile to the beer but also provides several nutritional and sustainability benefits.
Flavor Profile
Seaweed can add a salty and briny taste to the beer, a unique addition to the flavor profile. Different types of seaweed can provide different flavors. Sugar kelp, dulse, kelpie, and bull kelp are commonly used seaweeds in beer brewing.
The flavors can range from sweet and mild to salty and savory, depending on the type of seaweed used.
Nutritional Benefits
Seaweed is known for its nutritional benefits, and using it in beer brewing can add those benefits to the beer.
According to Healthline, Seaweed is a great source of vitamins and minerals, including iodine, which is essential for thyroid function. It also contains carrageenan, which can help stabilize the beer and improve its mouthfeel.
Alaria, a type of seaweed, is rich in antioxidants and can provide several health benefits.
Sustainability Benefits
Using seaweed in beer brewing can have several sustainability benefits.
Seaweed is a renewable resource that can be harvested without damaging the environment. It can also help remove excess nutrients from the water, which can improve water quality.
Seaweed can also absorb carbon from the ocean, making it a potential carbon-neutral fuel.
Seaweed Beer Examples
If you are curious about the taste of seaweed beer, a few examples are available in the market. Here are two seaweed beer examples that you can try:
Final Thoughts on Brewing Beer with Seaweed
Seaweed has been used in beer production for a long time and has gained popularity in recent years due to its unique flavor and potential health benefits.
Scientists like Sarah Redmond, have been experimenting with different types of seaweed to create new and exciting beer flavors. The briny taste of seaweed adds a unique twist to traditional beer, making it a popular choice among beer enthusiasts.
Seaweed beer is not just a fad; it has been around for centuries.
In Belfast, Maine, Joanne Francis has brewed seaweed beer for over a decade.
The seaweed used in her beer is locally sourced, making it a sustainable and eco-friendly option.
Seaweed beer can also be found in other parts of the world, including Japan, where seaweed is a staple in their diet.
Aside from its unique flavor, seaweed has potential health benefits. It is high in vitamins and minerals, including iodine, which is essential for thyroid health.
Seaweed has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
While seaweed beer may not be for everyone, it is worth trying if you are a beer enthusiast looking for a new and exciting flavor.
So why not try it?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can seaweed be used as an ingredient in beer?
Yes, seaweed can be used as an ingredient in beer. It is a relatively new trend in the craft beer industry, but it is gaining popularity due to its unique flavor and potential health benefits.
What types of seaweed are commonly used in beer?
Sugar kelp and Irish moss are the most commonly used types of seaweed in beer brewing. Sugar kelp is a brown seaweed that is rich in iodine and has a sweet, salty flavor. Irish moss is a red seaweed that is used as a clarifying agent in beer and has a slightly bitter taste.
What types of seaweed are commonly used in beer?
Sugar kelp and Irish moss are the most commonly used types of seaweed in beer brewing. Sugar kelp is a brown seaweed that is rich in iodine and has a sweet, salty flavor. Irish moss is a red seaweed that is used as a clarifying agent in beer and has a slightly bitter taste.
How does seaweed affect the flavor of beer?
Seaweed can add a unique flavor to beer that is salty, briny, and slightly sweet. The flavor profile can vary depending on the type of seaweed used and the brewing process.
What are the potential health benefits of seaweed in beer?
Seaweed is a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which can provide potential health benefits such as supporting thyroid function, boosting immune system, and reducing inflammation. However, it is important to note that the health benefits of seaweed in beer have not been extensively studied.
Is seaweed used in beer brewing for its nutritional value?
While seaweed does have nutritional value, it is primarily used in beer brewing for its unique flavor profile. The nutritional benefits of seaweed in beer are considered a bonus rather than the main reason for using it as an ingredient.
