What are Sea Grapes? Delicious Edible Seaweed
– Sea grapes, scientifically known as Coccoloba uvifera, are not true grapes but produce clusters of red, grape-like fruits that are edible and taste similar to muscadine grapes.
– Sea grapes are protected plants in Florida, and it is illegal to damage or consume them without a permit.
– Sea grapes can be grown as shrubs or trees, reaching a height of 35 to 50 feet and width of 20 to 30 feet.
– They have round, wide, evergreen leaves that start off red and mature to a bright green with red veins.
– Cream-colored flowers bloom in long clusters, and fruit set occurs in mid-summer, with clusters turning red or purple in the fall.
– Sea grapes are native to coastal areas of Central and South Florida and can tolerate full sun, partial shade, drought, salt spray, and salty soils.
– They preferably grow in sandy, well-drained soil and should be watered well until established.
– Sea grapes require minimal maintenance and should be pruned by hand every couple of years to control their form.
– Two pests associated with sea grapes are the seagrape borer and a nipple gall.
– Sea grapes are dioecious, meaning they have separate male and female plants, and fruiting only occurs on the female plants.
– Sea grape fruits ripen in the fall and can be used to make jelly or eaten raw.
– Sea grapes are a type of seaweed that look like green bubbles and are popular in Japanese cuisine.
– They have a transparent appearance and make a popping sound when chewed.
– Sea grapes taste like salt water and have a texture similar to caviar.
– They are consumed in their raw form or can be added to salads, soups, and rice.
– Sea grapes are nutritious and help strengthen joints and bones, improve eye health, and prevent stress and depression.
– When consuming sea grapes raw, they should be placed in cold water to expand and rinsed to remove any fishy smell.
– Sea grapes can be served with soy sauce, mirin, and vinegar as a garnish on rice, in seafood salads, and with sushi.
– Sea grapes contain unsaturated fats that help memory and eyesight, reduce cholesterol levels, and prevent cardiovascular diseases.
– Sea grapes are beneficial for controlling diabetes and hypertension, reducing blood pressure, and maintaining sugar levels.
– They are rich in potassium, vitamins, and calcium, which aid in blood flow and digestion.
– Sea grapes have low levels of sugar and calories, making them suitable for reducing obesity.
– They have a slightly fishy smell but it can be removed by soaking them in cold water.
– Sea grapes have a watery, slimy, and crispy texture when eaten.
– They ripen during the fall season and turn from light green to purple.