Spice of the Month: Purple Dulse
The Power of Purple
Packed with both nutrients and flavor, Purple Dulse is our latest obsession. Sourced in the Bay of Fundy, the seaweed is sun-dried to preserved its nutrients, which include protein, dietary fiber, vitamin A (beta-carotene), iron, potassium, magnesium, chlorophyll, trace ocean minerals and B vitamins. It's also an excellent source of iodine. Flavored by the sea, this savory, unami flavor is an excellent substitute for salt and the colorful flakes add a little extra something to any dish. Try it as a salad topper, on eggs, dips, beans and potatoes.
Recent studies have shown that dulse seaweed helps to improve cardiovascular health by reducing cholesterol levels and blood pressure. And that’s not all- it can help boost cognitive function and protect the brain from age-related damage and is currently being studied for its potential cancer-preventing properties.
Improves Digestion because of its high fiber content and prebiotic compounds.
Reduces Inflammation with a unique compound called alginate which inhibits the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
Boosts Immunity from an abundant source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
Increases Metabolism because it’s an excellent source of iodine, an essential source for healthy metabolism by helping produce thyroid hormones.
Promotes Detoxification through vitamins, minerals, fiber, as well alginates which bind to heavy metals and other toxins in the gut and remove them from the body.
Balances Hormones with phytoestrogens, which are plant-based compounds that mimic the hormone estrogen in the body. For women struggling with hormonal imbalances, the phytoestrogens in dulse can help regulate estrogen levels in the body, helping to alleviate symptoms such as PMS and menopause.
Strengthens Bones from the high levels of potassium, magnesium, and calcium which are important for maintaining proper fluid balance in the body, as well as for bone health.
Healthy Hair and Skin from the high levels of potassium, magnesium, calcium, vitamin C, antioxidants, inflammatory compounds… all the stuff your body needs.
But dulsing ain’t easy. A skill passed down through generations, dulsing is a livelihood in the Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick. It’s one of the world’s oldest foods- Scottish Monks ate it 1400 years ago and it’s a common source of dietary fiber in Iceland. The Bay of Fundy tides are some of the strongest in the world and the force of them churn up the seabed feeding the dulse all the nutrient goodness. At low tide, 200 foot cliffs shade it from the sun - this is what makes the Bay of Fundy dulse so special. However climate change has made dulsing difficult and it’s a finicky plant. Warmer than ever ocean water and violent storms that shred this slow growing plant threatens dulse growth each year. While research is being done on how to protect the shoreline, let’s support these small farmers! We’re excited to have Burlap + Barrel’s latest harvest in the store now.