Bull Kelp Durvillaea potatorum grows prolifically on the reefs surrounding King Island, where the brown leathery fronds grow to a spectacular 8m. During storms, kelp plants are torn from the rocks and cast on the beaches. Such is the tenacious grip of the kelp “hold fast” or root, that often a piece of granite is broken off and remains attached to the root. Kelp can live 14 years or longer and can grow at the rate of 10-14cm a day.

The continuous leaching of nutrients from the land supplies the oceans with a rich source of trace minerals - the ideal medium for seaweeds to grow, trapping every known element. When we eat seaweeds we are getting a rich supply of plant derived colloidal minerals that can be readily absorbed by the body.

An analysis by the Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research, Lidcombe NSW of selected elements, showed King Island Bull Kelp fronds to contain (mg/kg) Calcium 2973, Magnesium 2827, Potassium 2826, Sodium 13064, Zinc 6, Iron 5, plus significant traces of Copper and Manganese.

Seaweed has long been used in Japan and China as a staple item of diet, recorded by Sze Teu in 600BC as “A delicacy fit for the most honoured guests, even for the King himself.” In Hawaii about 75 different species of seaweed have been eaten.

Kelp tablets are a natural dietary supplement providing a broad range of vitamins and minerals. Kelp flakes can be used as a low-sodium salt replacement. Kelp is also used as a feed in aquaculture, and as a soil conditioner to replenish depleted soils.

Now Dennis & Peta Klumpp of King Island Produce, have developed methods of preparing and cooking bull kelp so that we can all enjoy the benefits of eating seaweed.

Exciting new uses for kelp are in the field of medicine where it shows great promise for fighting cancer. Studies by French and Japanese scientists show that fucans and alginates found in kelp are very potent anti-tumour agents. Some extracts are said to suppress genetic mutations that can initiate cancerous tumours. Alginates have been found to facilitate the removal of heavy metals from the body, and inhibit the absorption of radioactive isotopes of Strontium and Iodine. Incidentally, King Island Kelp contains typically 60% alginic acid, as opposed to other kelps that contain up to 32%.

Cast Bull Kelp is harvested on King Island. It is dried, crushed into granules, then shipped in containers to Scotland where alginates are extracted. It is probable that we use alginates every day, via products such as ice cream, drinks, salad dressings, detergents, toothpaste, paints, paper, dental, pharmaceutical and cosmetic preparations.

A completely different use for kelp has been created by King Island Kelp Craft. The kelp is sculptured and sewn into decorative hats, figurines and animals. Articles have the look of leather or ceramics.