Did Europeans eat seaweed as early as the Middle Ages?

Did Europeans eat seaweed as far back as the Middle Ages? A recent study from the University of Glasgow says yes!

What the research says

The researchers, in order to conduct the study, analyzed dental plaque taken from the remains of 74 individuals who lived thousands of years ago and came from 28 different sites that stretched from Scotland to Spain.

By using a mass spectrometry technique to identify organic compounds, they found evidence of the intake of various aquatic plants.

Dr. Hardy, the lead author of the research work, explained how these new insights allow us to hypothesize that aquatic plants were consumed over a much longer period than previously known.

The potential of algae

Scholars also emphasized how algae have the potential to be a zero-mile food option, with low carbon emissions, that does not require the large-scale cultivation of foods commonly found in European diets.

So... why not include them in our diet?

From "easy to consume" dietary supplements, to sushi and finally to recipes from star chefs, the possibilities are truly many!

Matteo Castioni