The weed is dried mainly using rotary driers and the product is milled prior to export. Co. Clare and exported for use in animal feedstuffs and for the preparation of liquid seaweed extracts for horticultural and agricultural uses. Quantities collected are shown in Table 1. The plants are mostly air dried in-situ. Good quality weed is used for the production of iodine tablets.
Some weed is used to prepare liquid seaweed extracts.
L. hyperborea is collected mainly in April-June as cast weed. The laminae are oven dried and milled prior to being exported mainly for animal feed with some being used for producing liquid seaweed extracts. Collection is mainly on the coast of Co. Clare, particularly in the Kilkee and Ouilty areas. Co. Kerry all year around. The weed is air dried in situ and is mainly exported for use in the health food industry.