Found in both fresh and salt water environments, Marine Phytoplankton are microscopic organisms, a kind of micro sea vegetable. Phytoplankton are found naturally in all ocean systems, flourishing worldwide, they provide much of earth’s oxygen and process carbon from the atmosphere down into the world’s oceans. Phytoplankton is the beginning of the aquatic food chain, essentially the “building blocks” for marine life. Consuming carbon and sunlight just as land based plants do to acquire their energy, these tiny organisms provide a new and exciting flavor profile in the culinary world.
While many marine animals harvest plankton efficiently for their consumption, aqua-culturing phytoplankton provides a pure, fresh and dependable stock for chefs and home chefs alike.
Championed in culinary circles by acclaimed Chef Angel Leon of Spain’s Aponiente Restaurant, he uses this marine phytoplancton to enhance his dishes with flavor of the ocean. From an accompaniment on oysters and sardines to a dairy replacement for risotto, this marine phytoplanton pairs with any seafood presentation.
When preparing Marine Plankton for a dish, many chefs first create an “instant fumet” by mixing marine phytoplancton with water or turning it into a seafood or meat based broth. Care must be taken to not overheat the mixture as it will rapidly lose its desired characteristics. Heat also presents an undesired texture due to its high protein density (plankton has 30 times more omega 3s than olive oil). For preparation of a dish such as risotto, we recommend adding Marine Plankton mixture once the main dish is off the heat source.
Phytoplankton comes freeze dried (lyophilized), preserving its quality, flavor, cell structure and nutritional components.
We offer Veta la Palma Marine Phytoplancton in 15 gram tins.
Harvest Region: Spain
Seasonality: Year round
Flavor Profile: Salty, briny & fresh, “tastes of the sea”
Texture Profile: Prepared – creamy & smooth
Subsitutes:
- Caviar
- Oysters
