Bladderwrack, (Fucus vesiculosus) is low hanging fruit in the foraging world. It appears early in the spring and is fo
und on rocks along the beach during low tide. No need to brave the impact zone with picking it. It has multiple health benefits - a main one being a treatment for thyroid issues since it'
s so high in iodine. But it can also taste like it's very high in iodine. So getting this when it's young in the early spring helps, as the flavor is more neutral. It's has a nice, thick texture, so it works great pickled, I then use it in salads for a bit of salty brightness. It's super easy to do. Use a
basic pickle recipe:
1 cup apple cider vinegar
1 cup water
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar
Bring the liquids to a simmer and add the salt and sugar. Sir until they dissolve and then turn off the heat and let it cool.
Meanwhile, rinse your bladderwrack if fresh. Admittedly, I've never worked with dried bladderwrack and I'm not sure how the consistency would hold up in a pickle, but it's worth a try.
Place the bladderwrack in a mason jar and fill the jar with pickling liquid.
The salad pictured here is with spring salad greens from the farmers market, shaved raw golden and Chioggia beets, fresh peas with an orange-lemon and white balsamic dressing.
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