Codium fragile – Dead Man’s Fingers

Dead man’s fingers can be found along the coastline during low tide. Seaweed can be harvested year-round.

 

The plant is named for its finger-like fronds that hang from rocks.

Dead man’s fingers can be a nuisance to shellfish beds by attaching to shellfish and carrying them away.

 

Codium seaweeds can be added raw to salads or roasted. Seaweed can be chopped and combined with lemon, tomato, and onion for a seaweed salad. Raw, the plant has an oyster-like flavor. In Japan, the seaweed is often preserved in salt. It can also be dried, powdered, and added to breads, smoothies, or seafood dishes.

 

Codiums are often used in cosmetics for their moisturizing properties.

 

Codiums are high in protein, amino acids, and prebiotics. They are a rich source of calcium, magnesium, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids. Codium seaweeds have been used to boost brain health, promote weight loss, reduce inflammation, and improve digestion.

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Written by Amy Demers, founder of the Connecticut Foraging Club. To learn more about foraging in Connecticut, check out our upcoming classes.