Spirogyra, Pond scum
Spirogyra spp.
Family: Zygnemataceae
What it is like
A freshwater algae.
It is very rich in calcium and Vitamin A
Where it is found
A tropical plant.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Australia, Canada, India, Indochina, Laos, Myanmar, SE Asia, Thailand, Vietnam
How it is used for food
It is eaten raw with chili sauce. It is added to omelettes and made into a kind of sauce. It is also dried and pressed into sheets along with finely sliced vegetables then sprinkled with sesame seeds. The dried product can be grilled or briefly deep fried.
It is sold in local markets.
Edible parts
Algae
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Taw, Thao, Phak kai