SEAWEED TO EAT?

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LVII, Issue 9970, 8 January 1929, Page 3

SEAWEED TO EAT?

POSSIBILITY OF FUTURE. The possibility of obtaining seaweed in Australia in sufficient quantities for it to be used foi medicinal and other purposes is being investigated by Professor A. H. S. Lucas, of Sydney, who has returned from a three months’ tour of West and South. Australia. Professor Lucas made his tour at the invitation of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research. Prior to his retirement, Professor Lucas, who is 75, was professor of mathematics at the University of Tasmania. He has made a lifelong study of seaweeds, “Australia is far behind other countries in research in tbe value of seaweeds,” he said. “Unfortunately, I am the only man in Australia making a study of this subject.” During his tour around the coast Professor Lucas visited Rottnest Island, Geraldton, Bunbury, Busselton, Penguin Island, Cape Leeuwin, and Albany. Professor Lucas’s aim is to make a standard collection of Australian seaweeds for reference purposes. There are 15UU varieties. During his tour he collected large quantities of material, which will take years to classify. “There are undoubtedly many ways we can use seaweed if it can be obtained in sufficient quantities,” said Professor Lucas. “In West Australia there is a variety known as the ‘jelly plant.’ It makes an excellent jelly and is rich in vitamins, A firm has started treating this seaweed and selling it as a powder, to be sprinkled over food like pepper and salt. It can also be incorporated in confectionery.” Professor Lucas exploded the idea that seaweed is poisonousHe said that all forms were more or less nutritious. Scottish people ate a great deal of Dulse seaweed, which was both tasty and inexpensive. Another form known as Lavers Seaweed was also frequently eaten as spinach. This could be in fair quantities in West. Australia.