britishfood

If I were to mention eating seaweed, most of us would instantly think of the Japanese, but the Welsh eat a variety of seaweed known as laver. Like other edible seaweeds it is incredibly nutritious, high in protein, iron, iodine and some vitamins.

Traditionally the laver was gathered from the Gower Peninsula along the south coast of Wales, and although some still comes from there, some is harvested along the Scottish coast.

So how do you eat it?

IN Wales, you can buy it already prepared and tinned, but if you buy it fresh, you must first wash is thoroughly to remove any sand. You then boil it for 30-40 minutes until it looks like cooked spinach. Drain it and chop it finely and you have laverbread (not a bread at all). You’re now ready to use it in recipes. You might want to try the traditional Welsh breakfast of Laverbread Cakes:

1 lb laverbread

4 oz oatmeal

Mix the laverbread and oatmeal together and form round flat patties. Fry them in hot fat on both sides and serve with bacon.

More information about laver, including its history, recipes and where to buy it can be found at The Laverbread Page.

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