Nutri-Grow - create optimal soil conditions for maximum growth.
Nutri-Grow - create optimal soil conditions for maximum growth.
Organics Atlantic
xCape Seaweed | Viridis Marine
Our Organics Atlantic South African Seaweed.
Suitable for human consumption, personal care, cosmetics, pharmaceutical and agriculture industries.
South African seaweed grow in natural seaweed forests that have been there for billions of years. Our species are protected and strict governance requirements are set by the
South African Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF). The species that may be harvested, harvest instructions and requirements as well as the weight that may be harvested is stipulated in a harvest permit.
In addition, permits are only issued to companies that can demonstrate that they invest in the coastal communities where the harvesting takes place. This includes developing skills, employment opportunities and demonstrate wider community involvement.
Long term sustainability and responsible harvesting are the two key foundations that protected our natural seaweed forests and the local communities where harvesting takes place.
Main species
Ulva and Porphyra
Ulva species are available globally although our unpolluted waters enables us to bring a high quality product to market that is suitable for all industries. Ulva is widely used in snacks, is a favorite for abelone and fish feed as well as animal feed. Lately Ulva has also received recognition for its use in crop applications.
Porphyra is the oldest and most common of seaweeds. It is used for the manufacturing of Nori as well as other seaweed snacks.
Both these species are harvested by hand during low tide.
Ecklonia Maxima kelp
Ecklonia Maxima has a global footprint in the agriculture industries as organic bio-growth stimulant This is mainly due to the high level of Indole-3-Acetic Acid, a natural Auxin hormone that stimulates root growth. The high levels of alginic acid increases water retention in soil. Alginate, made from alginic acid, is used to replace gelatine, has extensive application as food thickeners. In pharmaceutical applications it is used to reduce acid reflux, capsules, mould formation in dentistry as well as wound dressings.
Kelp is available in many countries although every species has its own unique qualities.
Seaweed, a macro algae, is estimated to have been in existence for more than 250 million years. It may be the oldest and longest surviving plant species we have on earth today. It grows an estimated 20 to 50 cm a day and can grow up to 30 to 50 m tall.
Ecklonia Maxima harvest methods.
Hand harvesting of fronds (leaves)
We harvest the fronds by hand, enabling the plant to regenerate within six months. Kelp is the only plant on earth that grows from the top down. The root (hold fast) only serves as anchor for the plant. By harvesting the fronds, our crops contain higher levels of nutrients and growth hormones. These qualities are preserved through our cold processing methods.
Beach cast harvests.
Through storms and ocean swells the kelp is dislodged from the ocean bed and cast ashore. We collect the seaweed, sundry and chip it after which it is exported or used locally in the agriculture industries.
Protecting the sea bed ecology
Photograph taken in our exclusive harvest area.
The kelp holdfast (root) plays a very important role in the protection of the seabed ecology. It provides needed shelter from predators for young marine life and also is the growing ground for the next generation of kelp. By only harvesting the fronds, we ensure that the seabed ecology remains in place.