One Reason To Go Back To The Philippines - Seaweed!

Yes . . . this is seaweed

I know this may sound strange to my American readers, but one of the foods I enjoyed most when in the Philippines was seaweed.  I don't know what kind of seaweed it is, but it is absolutely amazing.  It looks rather strange when compared to any other American dishes I can think of, but it really is a tasty dish.  I borrowed a couple of photos from the Facebook album of Rachel C. from Icthus Christian Academy, which is where I first tasted this delightful  "salad".

Preparing seaweed in a simple Filipino kitchen

The interesting thing about this particular seaweed . . . it can also be used to make a "plastic" like product that is used to make sandals (Filipino slippers/shoes).  Now I know what you're thinking.  How can something that is used as a source for plastic be edible?  I don't know.  But I've seen the shoes that Pastor Jul wears and they seem very sturdy . . . and inexpensive.  And I've eaten the seaweed at least three times, and its de-lish (a phrase used by a different Rachel).

This is one of those cultural things that I think many Filipinos might take for granted . . . it's just something they have always had and enjoyed.  And of course, it's relatively easy to harvest.  I don't know the recipe for preparing it, but I think it's just heated to a boil . . . kinda like pasta?  It's texture makes me think that it could have been pickled, but I don't think that's really the case. I will have to get Rachel to send me the recipe.  I will post it here once I have it.

Anyway . . . just one of many "culture" articles to come.  Hope you enjoy.