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Press Release
May 27, 2004
SEAWEED AFICIONDOS TO COMPETE FOR PRIZES
Southeast Alaska Natives with a penchant for preparing black seaweed will compete for prizes during Celebration 2004.
Sealaska Heritage Institute will hold its second biennial black seaweed contest 9 a.m., Friday, June 4, at the Alaska Native Brotherhood Hall. The Elders will judge the seaweed, which must be submitted by 5 p.m., Thursday, June 3.
The Grand prize for the seaweed King or Queen will be $500.00; Second Prize $250.00; and Third Prize $100.00.
Black seaweed - laak’ásk - has been a valuable food source for the Native people of Southeast Alaska for thousands of years. The fresh seaweed is gathered at a minus tide and dried in the sun on sheets. Some people dry it immediately, while others let it soak overnight to soften it. After it is dried, pieces are dipped into a solution of water and flavorings, such as sugar and salt, clam juice and minced clams.
When it has almost dried again, it is put through a grinder. It is stored in a variety of ways, sometimes with bits of other wild plants layered in. Subtleties in the process affect the texture and tenderness. It can be eaten dried or cooked with salmon and salmon eggs.
Seaweed offers the broadest range of minerals of any food, containing virtually all the minerals found in the ocean--the same minerals that are found in human blood. It is a good source of the B-vitamin folate, and magnesium, and a good source of iron, calcium and the B-vitamins riboflavin and pantothenic acid. In addition, seaweeds contain good amounts of lignans, plant compounds with cancer-protective properties.
The names of the judges will remain confidential until Celebration, when judges will evaluate the seaweed’s taste and texture and the quality of the drying process.
Winners of the 2002 black seaweed contest were:
- Henrietta Kato of Klawock, 1st Prize
- Crystal Duncan of Sitka, 2nd Prize
- Peggy Williams of Angoon, 3rd Prize
- Tina Martin of Hoonah, Honorable Mention
- Jerry Moy of Pelican, Honorable Mention
CONTACT: Rosita Worl, SHI President, 463-4844