Edible seaweed Edible seaweed Edible seaweed, or sea vegetables, are algae that can be eaten and used in the preparation of food. They typically contain high amounts of fiber. They may belong to one of several groups of multicellular algae: the red algae, green algae, and brown algae. Seaweeds are also harvested or cultivated for the extraction of polysaccharides such as alginate, agar and carrageenan, gelatinous substances collectively known as hydrocolloids or phycocolloids. Hydrocolloids have attained commercial significance, especially in food production as food additives. The food industry exploits the gelling, water-retention, emulsifying and other physical properties of these hydrocolloids. Most edible
Edible bird's nest in colour, but there also exists a red version, sometimes called "blood" nest. The Chinese believe that it promotes good health, especially for the skin. The nests have been used in Chinese cooking for over 400 years, most often as bird's nest soup. The Chinese name for edible bird's nest, [""], translates literally as "swallow's (or swift's) nest", in Indonesia called ""sarang burung walet"" and often serves as a synonym for bird's nest soup. However, 燕窝 ["yànwō"], strictly speaking, is the uncooked nest. The best-known use of edible birds nest is bird's nest soup, a delicacy in Chinese cuisine. When