Belizean Seaweed Drink: A Refreshing Tropical Beverage

Seaweed shakes are a staple of Belizean cuisine and culture. The drink is made from a variety of edible seaweeds, with the most common type being Eucheuma isiforme, a red algae. The seaweed is blended with other ingredients, such as milk, sugar, vanilla, nutmeg, and even alcohol, to create a creamy, frothy beverage that is said to taste like eggnog. The drink is believed to have numerous health benefits, including enhancing sexual performance and improving reproductive health. It is also a good source of protein, dietary fibre, and minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and iron. In addition to being a delicious treat, the seaweed shake is a symbol of Belize's sustainable underwater farming initiatives and the country's efforts to protect marine life.

Choosing the right seaweed

Seaweed is an integral part of Belizean culture and is used to make the country's famous sweet seaweed drinks. There are many different species and variants of edible seaweeds, but the following types are commonly used in Belize:

Red or Yellow-Gold Seaweed Eucheuma Isiforme

This type of seaweed is also known as sea moss and is packed with essential protein and dietary fibre. It is commonly used in Belize to make the country's famous sweet seaweed drinks, as well as in puddings. It is also believed to have numerous health benefits, including enhancing sexual performance, stamina, and reproductive health.

Red Seaweed Gracilaria Crassissima

This variety of seaweed is also used in Belize to make drinks and puddings. It is a good source of various minerals, including potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc, and selenium.

When choosing the right seaweed for your Belizean seaweed drink, it is important to consider the desired taste, texture, and colour. The environmental conditions in which the seaweed is grown can influence these characteristics. For example, the gold colour of the Eucheuma Isiforme seaweed is achieved through the natural sun-bleaching process.

To ensure premium quality seaweed with high nutrient content and low pollutants, it is recommended to source seaweed that has been wild-crafted off the coast of Belize, particularly from Placencia. This area is known for its sustainable seaweed farming practices and the high quality of their seaweed.

Soaking and blending the seaweed

Firstly, it's important to start with clean seaweed. Rinse the seaweed thoroughly with water to remove any sand, residue, or debris. This step ensures that your final drink is free from any unwanted particles. After rinsing, you can choose to soak the seaweed in either hot water or cold water. If you opt for hot water, simply soak the seaweed until the water cools down completely. If you prefer cold water, it is recommended to soak the seaweed overnight in the refrigerator. This extended soaking time ensures that the seaweed softens adequately and absorbs enough water.

For those seeking a no-heat option, there is a method that skips the soaking process altogether. In this approach, the seaweed is thoroughly rinsed multiple times to eliminate any unwanted substances. It is then blended directly with the other ingredients and the water used for rinsing. This method is preferred by purists who want to maximize the nutritional value of the seaweed, as heating can lead to some nutrient loss. However, skipping the soaking step will result in a thinner consistency for your drink.

Once your seaweed is soaked or rinsed, it's time to blend! Place the seaweed, along with some water, into a blender. The amount of water added depends on your desired consistency. For a thicker drink, use less water, and for a thinner drink, add more. Blend the seaweed and water until the seaweed transforms into a jelly-like substance. At this stage, you can add any additional ingredients, such as milk, sweeteners, spices, or fruits, to enhance the flavour and nutritional profile of your drink.

Blending the seaweed creates a smooth and creamy base for your drink. It is important to note that the blending process can be adjusted to suit your personal preferences and the specific type of seaweed used. Some recipes call for blending the seaweed with other ingredients, such as flax seeds or sesame seeds, to create a more complex flavour profile. Additionally, the blending time can be adjusted to achieve your desired consistency. For a thicker drink, blend for a shorter period, and for a thinner, more liquid drink, blend for a longer duration.

In conclusion, soaking and blending the seaweed are essential steps in creating a delicious and nutritious Belizean seaweed drink. By following the steps outlined above, you can tailor the process to your preferences and create a unique, healthy, and refreshing beverage.

Adding flavourings and spices

The flavourings and spices you add to your seaweed drink will depend on your personal preference and the style of drink you want to make.

A traditional seaweed drink from Belize is often described as tasting like eggnog, so nutmeg is a common addition, along with milk, sugar, and vanilla. Cinnamon is also sometimes added.

If you want to make a more savoury drink, you could add peanuts, or peanut butter, or even a shot of rum or brandy.

For a sweeter drink, you could add bananas, pineapple, soursop, coconut meat and cream, coffee, or other locally-sourced tropical fruits.

For a more decadent dessert-style drink, you could add Oreo cookies or chocolate.

The health benefits of seaweed

Seaweed has been consumed for centuries, especially in East Asian and Pacific cuisines, and is rich in polysaccharides, a type of carbohydrate. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals and has been linked to several health benefits. Here are some of the potential health benefits of seaweed:

Rich in Vitamins and Minerals:

Seaweed contains vitamins A, B, C, D, and E, as well as minerals like calcium, potassium, magnesium, and iron. A 5-gram portion of edible seaweed can provide a significant percentage of the recommended dietary intake (RDI) for these nutrients.

Supports Thyroid Function:

Seaweed is an excellent source of iodine, which is essential for thyroid health. The thyroid gland relies on iodine to produce hormones that regulate growth, energy production, and cellular repair. However, too much iodine from seaweed can affect thyroid function, so moderation is key.

Promotes Gut Health:

Seaweed contains dietary fiber and prebiotics that support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. It also contains polysaccharides that act as food sources for gut bacteria, promoting gut health and improving digestion.

May Improve Heart Health:

Early studies suggest that seaweed intake may be linked to a lower risk of heart disease. Seaweed contains polyphenols and other compounds that could help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, supporting cardiovascular health.

May Help with Weight Loss:

The fiber content in seaweed helps promote a feeling of fullness and can aid in weight loss. Additionally, seaweed contains substances like fucoxanthin that have potential anti-obesity effects, as suggested by animal studies.

May Reduce the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes:

The fiber in seaweed can help regulate blood sugar levels. Seaweed also contains compounds like fucoxanthin and alginate that have been found to improve blood sugar control and reduce blood sugar spikes.

Provides Antioxidant Protection:

Seaweed contains antioxidants like vitamins A, C, and E, as well as flavonoids and carotenoids, that help protect the body's cells from damage caused by free radicals. These antioxidants may also contribute to heart health and reduce the risk of certain diseases.

While seaweed offers potential health benefits, it is important to consume it in moderation due to the varying iodine content and the potential presence of heavy metals.

The history of the drink

Seaweed drinks have been consumed in Belize and neighbouring Caribbean countries for generations. The exact origin of the drink is unknown, but it is believed that the recipes arrived in Belize from Jamaica, where sea moss smoothies are a popular treat. The use of seaweed in drinks and its thickening properties were likely brought to the Caribbean from the United Kingdom and Ireland, where the use of Irish moss, another type of red algae, in traditional cooking dates back centuries.

In Belize, the drink is commonly found in restaurants and coffee shops, especially in the cayes. It is typically prepared with various ingredients such as nutmeg, milk, peanut, vanilla, and coconut, and is often blended with ice to create a creamy, frothy texture reminiscent of eggnog. The drink is sometimes spiked with a shot of rum or brandy, adding a tropical twist to the beverage.

The seaweed used in these drinks is typically a variety of red or yellow-gold seaweed called Eucheuma isiforme, which is known for its thickening properties due to its high content of water-soluble gums. This variety of seaweed is sustainably farmed and harvested along the Belizean coast, particularly in the Placencia region, where it has become a symbol of the country's underwater farming initiatives.

Over time, the seaweed drink in Belize has evolved from a humble street drink sold by vendors on bicycles to a popular beverage found in supermarkets and gas stations. It is often bottled in plastic containers with different colour caps to indicate the flavour, making it a convenient and accessible treat for locals and tourists alike.

In addition to its delicious taste, the seaweed drink is also believed to have numerous health benefits. Locals attribute improved sexual performance, stamina, and reproductive health to the drink, often saying it's "good fi di back" (good for the back). The drink is also said to cure headaches, fatigue, and the common cold, among other ailments.

Frequently asked questions