Harvesting Carrigeen at Donegal Thatched Cottages

Like dulse, carrigeen is an edible seaweed which grows on rocky outcrops on the seashores of the West of Ireland. It can be found on Cruit Island in much the same places as dulse. However, unlike dulse, the tide must be almost fully out before you will see it. It grows in little bunches just like a bunch of grapes with all the grapes plucked off. It is deep burgundy, heading towards black in colour, and is generally not so plentiful as dulse.

When you have pulled sufficient for your needs ( please do not pull any more than you need ) lay it out on a flat rock to bleach in the rain. If it is a dry spell you could also place it in a basin of fresh water, changing the water a couple of times over a 48 hour period. In this respect you will see that harvesting carrigeen is totally opposite to harvesting dulse.

When it has at least partially bleached and is beginning to gell somewhat lay it out on a flat rock to dry and harden in the wind and sun. It will then be quite brittle and predominently a golden hay colour. At this stage it is capable of keeping safely for months and months.

Carrigeen is a delicious seafood jelly served mostly as a dessert but also taken at any time for medicinal purposes as it is very rich in vitamens and valuable trace elements. It has a slightly bland but distinctly seafood taste which may be modified according to taste by adding various essences. Personally I prefer the natural taste.

Harvesting Carrigeen at Donegal Thatched Cottages