Belt algae can be found in many parts of the country (Saccharina latissima) in considerable quantities but probably nowhere is there as much of it as in Breiðafjörður. There have been ideas about the possible utilization of belt kelp, so research was undertaken on the things that need to be kept in mind in order to get the best possible product from the raw material.
The seaweed's harvest season is in May and June, but then it is free of hay for the most part. The seaweed was found to have different chemical content according to its age, young seaweed contained less protein and salt than year-old seaweed collected at the same time, but iodine levels were higher in younger seaweed. Considerable differences were found in appearance, taste and texture after the treatment the seaweed received.
Proper harvest time and handling can therefore have a decisive effect on the quality of the raw material and the products made from it.
The project was funded by the AVS fund and worked in collaboration with Matís and Íslenskr bláskeljar in Stykkishólmur. A report on the project can be found at Matís website, provides further information Þóra Valsdóttir at Matís.