I’ve tried several – seaweeds, that is. We have Bala-iba also known as Eve’s hair, Ar-arosep or simply called lato, Balbalulang, which I think has no Tagalog or English equivalent but this is the firs time that I tried Guso, another seaweed that is common here in our country. Seaweeds are actually marine algae, salt-water dwelling plants that are edible. Some are eaten fresh but most are blanched before other ingredients are added. And seaweed salads are side-dishes served with fried or broiled fish. According to livestrong .com, “Seaweed is high in vitamins and minerals including calcium, magnesium, iron, vitamins A, B and C, fiber and alpha lipoic acid. Seaweed is a good source of incomplete protein, containing only some of the essential amino acids. Combining seaweed in a salad with another protein, such as fish or eggs, will provide your body with a complete source of protein essential to your daily diet.”
You only need to wash it with water then blanch it for about 3 minutes. Add in diced red onions, fresh tomatoes, ginger and a sprinkling of white pepper. I thought of how they make gelatin out of seaweeds like this while enjoying its nutty, gelatinous flavor.
And here’s how it looks fresh from the wet market.
Guso, anyone?
Dreams And Escapes 
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