Organic Components of a Brown Algae, Sargassum cristaefolium as a source of a Nutritious Taste Enhancer

The Philippines has abundant aquatic resources. Seaweeds are one of these aquatic products which are found in lagoons and reed areas all over the country. The country is one of the few around the world which pioneered in the farming of these plants in substantial quantities. The Philippines is noted for the culture of seaweeds along with Japan, China, Korea, and Taiwan.

Seaweeds are a good source of colloidal materials which are used as gelling agents, emulsifiers, stabilizers, in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food products. They also contribute to important food items, fertilizers, and animal feeds. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), commercial production of seaweeds through farming is at present limited to a few countries in East Asia making these a high value crop with a high demand in the world market.

Sargassum is a genus of brown algae (class Phaecophyceae) macroalga (seaweed) under the order Fucales. Numerous species are distributed throughout the temperate and tropical oceans of the world, where they generally inhabit shallow water and coral reefs. However, the genus may be best known for its planktonic (free- floating).

Sargassum as algae has developed multicellular structure. Sargassum is characterized by long, highly branchy fronds which gives its leafy appearance. Many have bladders filled with air which help these float. In the open water, these bladders keep the Sargassum free-floating near the surface of the water so that it can photosynthesize energy. In area where Sargassum is anchored to the bottom, these bladders help the seaweed stretch towards the light, creating the forests of seaweed effect which gently undulate with the water waves.

There are a number of uses for Sargassum. In some regions, for example, it is collected as fertilizer. It is also a food source, especially in Japan, where it may be added to soups and fermented with other ingredients in soy sauce to create a specific flavor. Many animals use Sargassum as home, as the seaweed provides shelter due to their abundant fronds, along with a hiding place from predators and a source of food.

Seaweeds have been harvested because of their significant contributions in many ways. The most obvious use of these multicellular is a food source. People from different cultures have discovered that many seaweeds are eligible, especially some of the red and brown algae. They are consumed in a variety of ways. They may be raw, cooked or dried.  In addition, seaweeds can also add variety and taste to bland foods. The reason why the farming or mariculture of seaweeds is a growing business is because they are good source of some vitamins, minerals, and some are said to contain substantial amounts of proteins.