Sugar kelp

Laminaria saccharina

The sugar kelp is one of the big kelps that are the “trees” in the kelp forests. It has a short stem but one long unfolded blade that resembles a belt. Another common name is therefore sea belt. It can grow up to 5 meters long, but the common size is 1.5 to 2 meters. The sugar kelp can grow up to 5 years old.

The large kelp species somewhat divided the habitats among themselves. The sugar kelp, for example, prevails where there are large fluctuations in temperature and salinity, e.g. in the lower seashore, in the inner part of fjords and close to estuaries. The sugar kelp, however, cannot withstand a great deal of waves and turbulence. There the oarweed (Laminaria digitata) dominates; it has a very flexible stalk that allows it to thrive there. Elsewhere, the tangle (Laminaria hyperborean) controls. Thus, organisms adapt to different habitats, no one can afford to be the best in everything.

The sugar kelp is found in the cold waters in the entire northern hemisphere, both in the Atlantic and the Pacific. It is found all around Iceland from the lower seashore and down to a depth of 25 meters. Below is not enough light for him to photosynthesize.

It is possible to eat the sugar kelp, it is best to dry it at low heat and then fry it.

HÞV