Journal Post ~ Scarborough, Cape Town ~ 1st February 2025
There’s nothing like being immersed in the wild magnificence of nature. My experience at Veld & Sea was nothing short of magical—an immersive educational and culinary journey that brought together a beautiful community of ocean lovers. It was an opportunity to connect with the land, the tides, and the bounty of the sea in a deeply personal way.
The Power of the Moon and the Tides
One of the most fascinating things I learned was just how much the moon and sun influence coastal foraging. The best time to forage is during the low spring tides, which happen twice a month, during the full and new moon phases. When the sun and moon align with the earth, their combined gravitational pull creates extreme tidal shifts—resulting in a super high high tide and a very low low tide. This exposes the magical intertidal zone, revealing hidden rock pools and offering the perfect conditions for foraging shellfish and seaweed.
The Wonders of Seaweed: A Nutritional Treasure
Before this experience, I never realised quite how incredible seaweed truly is! Often overlooked, ‘sea vegetables’ are packed with essential minerals like calcium, vitamins A and K, iron, and even vitamin B12—making them an amazing plant-based superfood. Not only is seaweed great for the body, but it also has incredible benefits for the skin. It’s an incredible source of protein and nutrients with natural healing properties.
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Sustainable Foraging: Ethical Harvesting of Seaweed
One of the most important takeaways from the experience was learning how to harvest seaweed sustainably. It’s not just about taking from nature but working with it in a way that allows it to thrive. For example, you should never pull seaweed off a rock; instead, cut pieces off with scissors to allow the plant to regenerate. Only cut one-third of the seaweed—leaving more behind ensures healthier regrowth. Lastly learning about the different seaweed varieties and their unique benefits makes it easier to integrate them into everyday cooking.
A Culinary Delight: Cooking with Seaweed
While I wish I had had the chance to sample more of the dishes (parenting duties called—my kids were causing havoc by this point!), the experience itself was a culinary delight. We used the seaweed we foraged to make delicious rice balls wrapped in seaweed, which we then baked. A peek into the kitchen revealed beautifully prepared platters showcasing different ways to cook with seaweed—so many unique flavours and textures that I can’t wait to experiment with at home!
Deepening the Connection to Nature and Mindfulness
Taking time out from the daily routine to truly immerse myself in nature was such a luxury. There’s something deeply nourishing about learning directly from the land (or in this case, the sea). This experience reinforced just how magnificent nature is, especially the hidden world beneath the ocean’s surface. It’s a reminder of the deep connection we share with the ocean and the importance of respecting its gifts. People shared their stories, their knowledge, and their passion for the sea. The sense of beauty in passion and community was undeniable.
If you get the chance to attend a Veld & Sea experience—do it. It’s a truly immersive and memorable way to reconnect with nature, learn something new, and enjoy the many wonders of the ocean.