Asparagopsis taxiformis

Asparagopsis taxiformis (red sea plume or limu kohu), formerly A. sanfordiana, is a species of red algae, with cosmopolitan distribution in tropical to warm temperate waters. Researchers have demonstrated that feeding ruminants a diet containing 0.2% A. taxiformis seaweed reduced their methane emissions by nearly 99 percent.

Description

A seaweed. It is a red algae. It has creeping stems. These have soft pale pink feather like fronds. It grows 10-20 cm high.

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Edible Uses

Asparagopsis is one of the most popular types of limu. in the cuisine of Hawaii, it is principally a condiment. It is known as Limu kohu in the Hawaiian language, meaning "pleasing seaweed". Limu kohu has a bitter taste, somewhat reminiscent of iodine, and is a traditional ingredient in poke. The essential oil of limu kohu is 80% bromoform (tri-bromo-methane) by weight. It also includes many other bromine- and iodine-containing organic compounds.

Traditional Uses

Plants are soaked for several hours in fresh water, then drained, pounded and salted. It is then rolled into small balls. It is eaten as a relish with meat. It is eaten as a salad or as a vegetable with fish and soybean sauce.

Distribution

It grows in tropical places. It grows below the tidal zone on sheltered shores.

Where It Grows

Africa, Asia, Australia, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Brazil, Canary Islands, Central America, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Europe, Fiji, France, FSM, Ghana, Guam, Guinea, Guinée, Hawaii, Hispaniola, India, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Korea, Kuwait, Lebanon, Liberia, Madagascar, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Martinique, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mediterranean, Mexico, Middle East, New Caledonia, Nigeria, North Africa, North America, Oman, Pacific, Panama, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, PNG, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Samoa, SE Asia, Senegal, Seychelles, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Turkey, Türkiye, USA, Venezuela, Vietnam, West Africa, West Indies, Yemen,

Production

The upright pieces should be pinched off allowing the base to re-grow.

Other Information

It is a minor food. It is a popular edible algae in Hawaii.

Notes

It is rich in iodine. It can reduce methane production 50%-70% by cows when added to their diet.

Synonyms

Also Known As

Limu kohu

References (13)

• Abbott, I.A., 1978, The uses of seaweed as food in Hawaii. Economic Botany. 32:409-12. (As Ahnfeltia taxiformis)
• Ambasta S.P. (Ed.), 2000, The Useful Plants of India. CSIR India. p 59 (As Asparagopsis sanfordiana)
• Cribb, A.B., 1996, Seaweeds of Queensland A Naturalist's Guide. The Queensland Naturalists' Club Handbook No. 2. p 69
• http://www.hawaii.edu/reefalgae/publications/ediblelimu/
• http://www.seavegetables.com