Tangle

Tangle is an alternative term for brown seaweeds of the genus Laminaria, the large kelps of cold coastal waters. These ribbons of brown algae are harvested for alginates, the gelling and thickening extracts used across the food industry, and in some cuisines the fronds themselves are eaten as vegetables. Laminaria species accumulate iodine and minerals from seawater, giving them distinctive nutritional and flavour properties. Sustainable harvesting and clean waters are essential, since seaweeds concentrate both nutrients and any contaminants present in their environment.