Red Sea Lettuce

Pacific Food Guide / Chosen from the Sea / Red Sea Lettuce

Red Sea Lettuce (Halymenia)

Red Sea Lettuce

Selection

Red sea lettuce is best picked floating when dislodged by waves.

Storage

Keep plants in a cool place as it turns orange and melts when exposed to fresh water or heat. Plants are best kept dried in a jar but should not be frozen.

Preparation

  • Wash plants well before use.
  • Can be eaten fresh
  • Traditionally added to fish in the earth oven.
  • Can be cooked in coconut milk and/or used to thicken and flavor soups or stews.
  • Dried fronds can be eaten as a snack.
  • (Novaczek, 2001)

Photo Source

University of Guam

Red Sea Lettuce

Red sea lettuce is found in deep water either floating or under water and thrives in wave activity. The plant exists in various shapes and is dark magenta or purple in color. Red sea lettuce is poisonous in Samoa due to a toxic substance growing on the plant surface (Novaczek, 2001).

Traditional Names
  • Hawaiian – limu lepe ‘ula‘ula
  • Palauan – char
  • Samoan – a’au