{"id":3508,"date":"2023-06-20T18:31:07","date_gmt":"2023-06-20T18:31:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wandercapetown.com\/?p=3508"},"modified":"2023-08-12T12:07:53","modified_gmt":"2023-08-12T12:07:53","slug":"coastal-foraging-workshop","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wandercapetown.com\/adventures\/coastal-foraging-workshop\/","title":{"rendered":"From tide to table: the coastal kelp foraging experience"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

I just got home from a really wonderful experience \u2014 coastal kelp foraging with RE Wild Food<\/a>. Run at the edge of the world in Scarborough, a beautiful, remote, misty little corner of Cape Town, this was the <\/em>most unique and engaging workshop I\u2019ve ever experienced. Foraging for seaweeds and kelp, and then enjoying a five-course meal using those same seaweeds, coastal plants and home-grown veg! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s fantastically educational, informative, and interesting, and a really beautiful way to spend a Saturday, rain (as in our case) or shine!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Lindy<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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\u201cI started with teaching snorkelling in the kelp forest<\/a>, teaching about the various seaweeds, fish and small species it provides protection for. Learning how to forage and process seaweed to make it a delicious and nutritious food source was a big added bonus, and I love sharing the knowledge.\u201d<\/p>\n\u2013 Lindy Taverner, on why she started these workshops.<\/em><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

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Foraging for kelp and seaweed<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Lindy took us foraging along the Scarborough coastline and there was so much to see. We stopped every few meters to see a new plant, learn how to identify it and how it\u2019s best prepared, and even to taste it. And I was honestly so surprised at the flavours of these ocean plants! They were like salty snacks, picked just like that. And a very fun fact I learned today \u2014 there\u2019s only one <\/em>seaweed on our coast that\u2019s not edible. Acid weed, which produces sulphuric acid and can be identified by the way this acid etches itself onto the rocks around it. Stay clear!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course, not all of the other plants work great for food. Dead man\u2019s fingers, for example, are the aloe vera of the sea. Their gel works really well as a skin balm but, like aloe vera, it is not fun to eat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Throughout the experience, Lindy emphasised the importance of sustainable foraging practices. One of the most important notes she provided is to pick only half of the seaweed and always leave the stem intact. This way, it can quickly regrow, ensuring the long-term sustainability of this abundant resource. She also shared her decision to focus solely on foraging seaweed, excluding marine animals from the activity. This responsible approach helps prevent overharvesting and protects the delicate and incredible local ecosystem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"trooping<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Kelp foraging tips<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A few essential seaweed foraging tips for anyone looking to start:<\/p>\n\n\n\n