Drying seaweed at home is an inexpensive and easy way of preserving your edible and medicinal seaweed harvest. In this guide, we explain how to correctly dry seaweed, using four methods.
Both seaweed and kelp are known for their high nutritional value, and their ability to add unique flavors to a wide array of dishes. But purchasing dried seaweed and kelp can be expensive, which is why more and more health enthusiasts are choosing to dry it at home.
In this article, we share instructions for drying seaweed using common household tools, including important preparation steps and storage.
Instructions for Drying Seaweed at Home
Preparing Seaweed & Kelp
Before we can begin drying seaweed or kelp, we need to prepare it properly. A failure to prepare the seaweed or kelp can result in faster spoilage, and may even adversely affect the overall taste and texture. Seaweed often holds impurities such as sand and shell grit, even when store-bought.
#1 Harvest Fresh Seaweed and Kelp
If you are lucky enough to have access to fresh seaweed and kelp, start by harvesting the freshest, cleanest, and healthiest-looking specimens possible. It is important to know the area that you are harvesting from, to ensure that the specimens are free from any form of contamination or common pollutants.
#2 Rinse Thoroughly
Next, you will need to thoroughly rinse out the seaweed with cold water. This rinsing plays a crucial part and the preparation process, as not only does it help to dislodge any sand or debris caught between the layers of kelp, but it also helps to reduce the salt levels. You’ll want to use running water and swish the kelp or seaweed around continuously, as this will help to ensure that all of the impurities are dislodged and removed.
#3 Cut into Manageable Pieces
Depending on the type of kelp or seaweed, the pieces can be quite large. If you have ever attempted to dry out anything in the past, then you will know that the larger the piece is, the more difficult it can be to dry thoroughly. In order to aid in the drying process, it is important to cut the seaweed into more manageable-sized pieces. These smaller pieces will promote a more thorough drying and makes storage of the dried kelp a simpler process.
Drying Seaweed Methods
You have several options when it comes to trying kelp and seaweed at home. Not all options are suited for every type of situation, so it’s always best to look at the pros and cons of each type, to determine if they will be right for you.
Sun Drying Seaweed
The simplest, and oldest form of drying seaweed and kelp, is to use the power of the sun. Of course, for this to work, you need to do it someplace with strong sunlight and no rain.
In order to dry out the kelp and seaweed using the sun, simply lay out the pieces onto a drying rack, or other nonmetallic tray, and place them in direct sunlight. It is important to flip the pieces over on a regular basis, to ensure a more efficient drying process.
It will take several days to thoroughly dry out the algae. Keep in mind, that if you live in an area that has a high level of humidity, you may want to choose a different option.
Oven Drying Seaweed
If you are not fortunate enough to have your own dehydrator, then you can dry out your algae or kelp using a traditional oven.
Steps for Drying Seaweed in the Oven:
- You need to set the temperature of the oven to its lowest setting, which should be around 150°F, or about 65°C.
- Lay your seaweed pieces onto a baking sheet, making sure not to overlap any of the pieces.
- Place the tray in the oven, keeping the door of the oven slightly open, as this will allow the moisture to escape.
- Check the seaweed on a regular basis, and once they have begun to become brittle, go ahead and remove them.
- Allow them to cool down in a place with relatively low humidity levels.
Dehydrator
Dehydrators are one of the best options when it comes to drying out seaweed. In fact, a food dehydrator is specifically designed for this type of procedure. It is a quick and very efficient method for drying out all types of food products, including seaweed and kelp.
Make sure when you use a food dehydrator, to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. The manual should include both temperatures as well as drying times for a wide variety of food products.
TIP: The best seaweed & algae dryer is a simple food dehydrator
HANDY TIP
Planning to get a Dehydrator? Get an Air-Fryer with a Dehydrator setting instead!
Did you know some air-fryers double up as dehydrators?! I bought one of these nifty air-fryers several years ago, and it’s super-versatile and honestly my favorite kitchen appliance. Ensure the air-fryer you choose has a Dehydration setting, with a minimum temperature of 90°F (32°C) – most models don’t go down that low.
Here are two affordable models from Amazon with heaps of happy reviews, that will work perfectly for dehydrating seaweed and other foods, from Gluck and GoWISE.
Note: These are sponsored links to Amazon. If you click the link I may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Air Drying
It is also possible to dry out kelp and seaweed simply with the help of convection. For those who live in a place where sunlight is not readily available, you can hang up your kelp or seaweed indoors, so long as they are kept in a well-ventilated area.
Just like drying seaweed in the sun, it will take several days for the algae to become brittle. If you have some fans, they can be used to circulate the air and improve the efficiency of the drying process.
How to Store Dried Seaweed
After you have thoroughly dried out your kelp and seaweed, it is important that you store them correctly, as this will prevent spoilage and maintain quality. To ensure that your dried kelp and seaweed maintain a high level of quality, it’s important to label the containers correctly, check the containers on a regular basis, and store the seaweed or kelp in smaller portions.
Capsules
An easy way to dose and consume dried seaweed is through capsules, especially for medicinal seaweeds. After you have made your dried seaweed, it is relatively easy to package the dried seaweed into capsules for later use. We have created a guide for how to make sea moss capsules, which works equally well for any other type of seaweed and algae as well, which we encourage you to check out.
Packaging
Airtight Containers
After drying seaweed or kelp, like with herbs, you’ll want to transfer it to an airtight container as quickly as possible, especially if you are drying with heat. When you remove dried kelp or seaweed from a heat source, it will begin to reabsorb moisture from the air. Transferring your dried kelp and seaweed to an airtight container as soon as possible will ensure that it stays crisp for many months or even years.
Label and Date Containers
As with the storage of any form of food, it is always crucial to label and date the containers. When you store your seaweed and kelp, take the time to label the container with both the type, as well as the date of drying. This will allow you to track the freshness of your containers, and ensure that you follow a proper first-in-first-out procedure.
Store in Smaller Portions
Due to the potential of spoilage over time and the possibility of cross-contamination, it’s important to store your dried kelp and seaweed and smaller proportions. Divide your portions by focusing on how much you will use in your individual recipes. This will ensure that you only open one container at a time, which reduces the potential for introducing moisture and spoilage.
Regularly Check for Moisture
Take the time to periodically inspect your kelp or seaweed, and look for any signs that moisture has gotten into the containers. The biggest sign that moisture has penetrated the storage container is the presence of condensation on the inside. If you see any condensation, remove the pieces from the container, and re-dry them.
Environment
Cool, Dark Place
Remember that your dried-out seaweed and kelp need to be stored in a cool dark location. Not only will air adversely affect the flavor, texture, and crispiness of your dry kelp, but exposure to light can result in the kelp losing its flavor, as well as its nutritional value over time.
Avoid Moisture
At all costs, make sure that your dried seaweed and kelp remain moisture-free. Anything you use to dry, store, and even remove the dried seaweed or kelp from its storage container must be completely free of moisture. Even small quantities of water can reduce the overall life expectancy of your seaweed, and may even result in the spoilage of the entire batch.
FAQ: How long does dried seaweed last? Up to 3 years.
Shelf Life
How long does dried seaweed last?
When properly dried, and stored in an airtight container, dried seaweed and kelp can be stored for as long as 3 years.
Dried Seaweed
Most forms of seaweed, when properly dried and stored, can last for up to 2 years. Although after drying seaweed may gradually lose its flavor as well as nutritional value, it will be safe to eat for several years before it has to be thrown out.
Dried Kelp
On the other hand, dried kelp has a much longer shelf life than most conventional seaweeds. Most forms of dried kelp, when dried and stored properly, can last for up to 3 years. Gradually, the kelp will lose its flavor, as well as some of its nutritional value, but it will remain edible for years to come. As always, it is best to consume your dried seaweed as soon as possible.
Final Thoughts on Drying Seaweed at Home
Drying seaweed at home as you can now see, is an excellent way of preserving your seaweed harvest to use later. Whether you are sustainably harvesting from the wild or growing your own, drying seaweed allows you to enjoy the benefits of seaweed all year round, in an easy-to-consume form.
A quick recap of the major points:
- Make sure your seaweed is completely dry before storing, to avoid mold setting in.
- Cut the seaweed into small, thin pieces to help it dry faster and more thoroughly.
- Clean your seaweed thoroughly to remove any debris such as sand and shell grit.
- The most effective algae drier is a simple food dehydrator.
How long does dried seaweed last?
Your dried seaweed will last up to 3 years when prepared and stored correctly, but should be checked regularly for mold or other issues. If you notice a strange smell or appearance, or otherwise feel suspicious of your batch, then throw it out. It’s not worth getting sick from.
Making seaweed capsules
After drying seaweed you can choose to store it as is in large pieces, however if you are working with a medicinal seaweed such as sea moss or bladderwrack, you may find it easier to store as capsules. See our instructions for making your own seaweed capsules from dried algae, if you’re interested in knowing how.
Lastly, if you want to control the whole seaweed-making process, why not learn how to grow your own kelp at home? You can do it in little more than a home aquarium set-up, as we explain in our guide to growing seaweed at home.
Happy seaweeding!