Reindeer Limu (Codium)
Reindeer Limu
Selection
Pick clean upper branches leaving lower branches to re-grow. Remove excess sand by rubbing plants well in seawater.
Storage
Keep plants refrigerated. Should not be dried or frozen as branches wilt and become stringy.
Preparation
- Wash plants well before use.
- Can be eaten fresh in salads or other side dishes.
- Lemon juice can be added to enhance flavor.
- Large plants can be blanched for tender texture or added to soups and stews.
- Can be pounded together with salt and mixed with raw fish.
- (Novaczek, 2001)
Photo Source
NOAA
Reindeer Limu
Reindeer limu grows attached to surfaces including coral reefs, rocks, and other sea plants. It can be small or large branching. Reindeer limu can be found in sheltered or wave-exposed areas but prefers strong currents (Novaczek, 2001).
Traditional Names
- Hawaiian – limu wawae‘iole
- Palauan – char