01 March 2024
Novel, clean seaweed preservation method
Technology
- Teagasc researchers have developed a novel, environmentally friendly and sustainable two-step method to preserve freshly harvested seaweed for an extended period before further processing
- This could provide additional value-add opportunities in seaweed product development, while potentially significantly reducing drying and labour costs for harvesters
Value propositions
- Twenty-six weeks’ shelf life extension for fresh seaweed: this two-step method involves blanching and storage in a unique chemical-free preserving solution
- Alleviation of harvesters’ time pressures and expensive drying, by allowing storage of fresh stock immediately after harvesting
Development stage
- Efficacy proven at pilot field scale (10kg fresh seaweed) with industry engagement — and scaled up from lab-scale trials
- Published Patent filed at EPO – ”Method of preserving seaweed” EP4268609
Opportunity to engage
- This innovative, cost-effective solution to extending the shelf-life of freshly harvested seaweed would benefit harvesters, seaweed processors and ultimately consumers
- Teagasc is seeking engagement with seaweed harvesters as potential licensees to validate and commercialise this technology
Research funding
Science Foundation Ireland – BIORBIC
Targeted Project
Lead Teagasc
PI – Brijesh Tiwari
For further information or the opportunity to discuss, contact Miriam Walsh miriam.walsh@teagasc.ie or engage@teagasc.ie (Reference: Seaweed preservation)
[pic credit] Zhane Luk/shutterstock.com