Thongweed, Sea spaghetti
Himanthalia elongata

Family: Himanthaliaceae

What it is like

A seaweed. It is a brown algae. The fronds are like hollowed mushrooms on strap like fronds. They can be 5-15 cm long. They branch.

Where it is found

It grows in temperate to tropical waters. It grows on rocky shores near the low tide mark.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Atlantic, Britain, Europe, France, Ghana, Ireland, Mediterranean, Norway, Portugal, Scandinavia, Spain, West Africa

How it is used for food

The strands are added to steamed or sauteed dishes. They are also used in cold salads, sauces and puddings. It can be made into a paste and used in place of pork fat in making pate.

Edible parts

Algae, fronds, seaweed

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Haricots de mer, Knapptang, Spaghetti des mers

Synonyms

Fucus elongatus Linnaeus;