Brown Ribbon Weed (DICTYOTA SPP.)
Brown Ribbon Weed
Selection
Handle plants gently being careful not to squash branches.
Storage
Keep plants cool and ventilated. Refrigerate if not eaten right away. Plants can be dried for longer storage.
Preparation
- •Wash plants well before use.
- •Can be eaten fresh with a vinegar or lemon juicedressing but has a strong bitter taste.
- •Soak plants overnight in fresh water to reduce bitterflavor.
- •Squeeze plants dry and sprinkle with salt when readyto eat.
- •Plants can be cooked in stir fry, soup, or stew.
- •Dry plants into crisp flakes over medium heat.
- •Crumbled flakes can be added to salad, omelet, soup,and cooked vegetables for flavoring.
- (Novaczek, 2001)
Photo Source
Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute
Brown Ribbon Weed
Brown ribbon weed is found on shallow reefs, inlagoons, and in seagrass beds. The plant has Y-shaped branches and flat blades that are golden to dark brown in color. Different varieties can grow all year round in clumps or separately and shine in different colors underwater (Novaczek, 2001).
Traditional Names
- Palauan – char