SEAGROWN
To understand more about our food, and where it comes from it’s valuable to hear the stories of our growers, farmers and fishermen. Our own farming story being the thread that is woven throughout Yorkshire Rapeseed Oil, it’s these stories that have always fascinated us and we’re always keen to share the tales of others.
So, for this Yorkshire Story, we’re excited to share some insight into SeaGrown, a seaweed cultivation company on the stunning North Yorkshire coast, for whom provenance and the environmental impact of cultivating this ‘superfood’ is top of their agenda. Their core mission has always been to restore ocean health and contribute to a healthier planet, and seaweed can do just that.
We’ve been following SeaGrown for some time, and their Yorkshire Story was a real eye-opener. Their roots run deep in the Yorkshire coastline, particularly in Scarbough, which is the hometown of one of their co-founders, Wave Crookes. It was in this coastline town that his seafaring journey began, before he ventured further afield with both the Royal Navy, and as part of the British Antarctic Survey. It was there that he met with Professor Laura Robinson, the chief scientist on a research expedition. Together they combined their passion for the ocean and expertise in marine science to create SeaGrown and realise their vision to restore ocean health and contribute to a healthier planet.
This was no easy journey for this innovative pair, they had to develop new offshore cultivation systems to grow their kelp forests, taking into consideration the challenging conditions of the North Sea. But it was those coastal waters that were the ideal place for seaweed cultivation. It’s the cold waters, a good amount of sunlight, and the right kind of rocky reefs that sealed the deal to create Britain’s first large-scale offshore seaweed cultivation site.
Over 600 species of seaweed are found along the UK shore, but at SeaGrown they currently focus on cultivating just three native species of kelp. Each found naturally in the sea waters off the Yorkshire coast, they only cultivate species that thrive in this environment. These kelp species are nutritional powerhouses, and are packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
SeaGrown are passionate about sharing the health benefits of this natural resource with the world, so that’s how they started to develop a range of delicious and nutritious products, including their food seasonings, and a beer collaboration with our good friends at Wold Top Brewery, based in the Yorkshire Wolds. Their seaweed products are a natural extension of their vision, allowing them to share the power of seaweed with us, and to contribute to a more sustainable future for us all.
It was their food seasonings that first piqued our interest, 100% natural, vegan friendly and organic, we’ve tried them all! Their most popular flavour is their Everyday Seaweed Seasoning, it’s the versatility and umami taste and flavour that make it a customer favourite. Loved sprinkled over eggs, salads and pasta dishes, roasted vegetables or grilled meats, it’s a great way to start on your foodie journey with this superfood. You really don’t need much of this seasoning to add a real flavour boost to your dishes. At SeaGrown HQ they have a soft spot for using this ingredient in their favourite Yorkshire dish – Roast Beef and Yorkshire Pudding! It may sound unusual, but they assure us it works wonders! Adding a deeper savoury note to the beef and the must-have side of roast potatoes. It’s their secret to a truly exceptional roast!
One thing we are yet to try is their range of bath and body products. Wild grown seaweed has a natural compound that is brilliant for skin. Amazing to be able to use something that is pure, skin-soothing and sustainable. One to add to the must try wish list!
But back to food and drink we know and love. We already know about SeaGrown’s huge connection to the Yorkshire coastline, but we wanted to know what they thought made Yorkshire such an abundant larder, with its strong connection to food and drink. We certainly agree that the county is a real gem when it comes to the bounty of food and drink on offer.
From the rugged cliffs of the North York Moors to the rolling hills of the Yorkshire Dales, SeaGrown see the benefits that the varied landscape provide, including a haven for a wide range of plants and animals, which translate into a fantastic array of ingredients for local chefs and food producers. SeaGrown also recognise Yorkshire’s long and proud history of farming, with generations dedicated to producing high-quality meat, dairy, and produce. This tradition of excellence is evident in the abundance of farm shops, farmers' markets, and local food producers showcasing the best of Yorkshire's bounty.
Not forgetting the Yorkshire coastline, where they are blessed to be a part of. To them this offers a treasure trove of delicious seafood, from fresh fish and shellfish to their own nutrient-rich seaweed. They are so proud to be part of this coastal tradition, sustainably cultivating kelp to contribute to the region's vibrant food scene. And here at YRO we’re certainly happy to champion that!
We chatted about their local food and drink hero, and they immediately shared their love for chef, Chris Hobson. Chris worked for them as Head Chef onboard the Southern Star, which until recently housed their café, restaurant and education centre. He’s now moved onto a new venture as executive chef at the brand new ‘The View’ restaurant in Scarborough, but they cited his talent and passion for sustainable, locally sourced ingredients, and the showcasing of the rich culinary history of the county in all he does. We can’t wait to try his dishes. SeaGrown believe they are the epitome of everything good about Yorkshire. High praise indeed!
Our last note was to offer the team huge congratulations on their recent win of the global Co-Use Competition with RWE. A huge achievement when competing with applications from 17 countries. This win considered their innovative approach to offshore seaweed cultivation and the potential of their work to positively impact on the environment.
A win on this scale will inevitably boost the global visibility and credibility of this innovative, growing, local business and we couldn’t be happier to share their Story. We very much look forward to following their journey and ambitious plans to expand their cultivation, develop new products, and their ever-important steps to fight against climate change for us all.
Thank you to SeaGrown. We see in you the pioneering spirit of seafarers of old, and can’t wait to see where your future explorations take you on the journey of sustainability and climate change. We’re watching!