What do you get when you put a naval clearance diver, a former craft beer brewer and a surfer with a degree in solar wizardry together? Southern Seagreens.
These seaweed farmers are growing native kelp off the coast at Flinders. As a regenerative seaweed farming business, it’s a win for both our water and for us. Southern Seagreens works with the sun and the sea to grow kelp that’s packed with important vitamins and minerals and is capable of sequestering up to five times more carbon than land-based plants.
“Our primary aim is to grow the most sustainable and nutritious food possible,” said co-founder Cam Hines. “This entails the farming of native kelp at Flinders. Seaweed is a zero-input crop, requiring no soil, fresh water or fertilisers. It mops up impressive amounts of carbon and happens to be super-high in protein and nutrients important for our health.
“We also dive for wakame in southern Port Phillip. It’s an invasive yet super-tasty kelp species. By removing the wakame from the water, we are helping the native kelp grow and re-establish.”
Southern Seagreens currently has two kelp products available. The first is dried wakame, which is a perfect addition to a variety of dishes such as soups, salads, pasta sauces, poke bowls and stir-fry for a delicious flavour boost.
The second product available from Southern Seagreens’ website is furikake. This was developed in the early 1900s as a food sprinkle/topper to ward off calcium deficiency and malnutrition in Japan. Since then it's become something of a staple in pantries across Japan and Hawaii. This is an all-natural, umami-packed furikake that will boost the flavour and nutritional benefit of everyday foods. Some might call furikake a superfood because it provides more iron than meat and more calcium than milk. Its delicious combination of ingredients includes dried Victorian kelp, organic toasted white sesame seeds, organic black sesame seeds, organic chickpea miso powder, brown sugar, and lemon myrtle powder. Add it to rice, eggs, avocado, salads, tofu, fish, roast vegies, soups, or almost anything.
“The real opportunity we see is to work with creative individuals to incorporate kelp into our everyday diet,” Cam said. “Local chefs are already adding the kelp ingredients into some of their dishes. We are having conversations with other local producers for future creations.”
Both products are available at a growing number of outlets across the Mornington Peninsula, including Torello Farm, Red Hill’s Cellar & Pantry, and the Merricks and Somers general stores. To learn more about Victoria’s first regenerative seaweed farm, find product stockists or place your order, head to the website or socials.
Southern Seagreens. 28 Collins Rd, Dromana
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