ID Guide: Gutweed

Common names: Gutweed, sea greens

Latin: Ulva intestinalis

Appearance: Vibrant green, hair-like strands.

Where: Rockpools high up on the shore or coastal groynes.

How to forage: Cut the amount you need from a patch of gutweed. It’s recommended to cut from a patch growing in rock pools or on rocks as sand is hard to get out of the tiny tubes. Don’t take more than needed, think of it as simply giving this seaweed a “haircut”.

When: June to September, summer months.

How to use: Patted dry with a towel and deep fried for a crispy fried seaweed snack. This cooking style is popular in Japan.