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Overview
Crawfords Rock Seaweed is a family-run business based in Northern Ireland. For over 300 years, the Wilson family has hand-harvested seaweed from the pristine waters of the Kingdom of Mourne. Their passion for the ocean translates into a range of delicious and healthy seaweed products, all harvested with sustainable practices to ensure the ocean’s bounty thrives for future generations.Meet the Maker
The invigorating caress of the ocean breeze isn’t just a feeling; it’s a family legacy for the Wilsons of Crawfords Rock Seaweed. Their story stretches back centuries, intertwined with the rugged beauty of the Irish Sea and the iconic landmark of Crawfords Rock, a craggy sentinel jutting out from Derryogue Harbour.
This harbour, steeped in history, was where, over 300 years ago, farmers like the Wilsons’ ancestors would descend the shore banks to gather kelp for their fields. Donkeys and carts would be laden with the precious seaweed, vital for enriching the soil. On a clear day, at low tide, you can still see the majestic sweep of the Mourne Mountains, particularly Slieve Bignian, reflected in the water. This very scene, a testament to the enduring connection between the Wilsons and the sea, is captured in the Crawfords Rock logo – a symbol that also incorporates a traditional stone ditch wall, a defining feature of the Mourne landscape.
The Wilson family’s passion for seaweed goes beyond its agricultural benefits. Their grandfather practiced a tradition cherished to this day. He’d hand-harvest seaweed, particularly the prized Shoulk (Nori), after the first frosts had kissed the land. These precious fronds were then boiled for hours in large pots, seasoned simply with pepper, and enjoyed on warm, homemade griddle farls. This rich source of minerals, a gift from the sea, was not just a meal but a community tradition, shared amongst neighbours to boost their health throughout the long winter months.
Today, Crawfords Rock Seaweed carries this legacy forward in a way that resonates with the modern world. They remain dedicated to wild harvesting techniques, ensuring the delicate balance of the Irish Sea ecosystem is preserved. Their historical kelp rights, passed down through generations, and their role as custodians of the shoreline, speak volumes about their commitment to sustainability.
But the Wilsons are a family who embraces a lighthearted touch as well. They playfully call their seaweed supplements “Vitamin Sea,” a reminder of the ocean’s bounty. They often greet the day with a cheerful “Sea’s the Day” and proudly proclaim “the Sea is in our SEAsonings.” It’s this sense of joy and connection that truly sets Crawfords Rock Seaweed apart. They’re not just a company; they’re a family sharing their love for the sea, one delicious and healthy product at a time.
The invigorating caress of the ocean breeze isn’t just a feeling; you can taste it in every product from Crawfords Rock Seaweed. This family-run business, passionate about sharing the bounty of the pristine Northern Irish waters, offers a delectable journey for your taste buds and well-being.
A Symphony of Seaweed Seasonings:
For the adventurous palate, there’s the Whiskey Smoked Seaweed Seasoning with toasted garlic, nori, and rosemary, a Blas 2020 Gold winner. Sprinkle it on pan-seared salmon or incorporate it into a summer salad for a touch of the sea’s essence in every bite. Craving a classic? The Great Taste 2021 3 Stars winner Seaweed Salt is a sure bet, adding a subtle breath of the ocean to any dish. But Crawfords Rock doesn’t shy away from bold flavours either. The County Down Coastal Seasoning bursts with local character, while the Fiery Dulse Togarashi brings the heat with a touch of Japanese flair.
Gifts from the Sea:
Beyond the kitchen, Crawfords Rock Seaweed brings the spa experience home with their line of seaweed-based skincare products. Their belief in the natural and nourishing properties of seaweed is evident in products like the Kelp and Bladderwrack Refreshing Soap and the Seaweed Spa Box. Indulge in a luxurious bath soak infused with hand-harvested seaweed, letting the calming essence of the sea melt away your stress. Their passion extends to internal health as well, with Pickled Seaweed, a superfood packed with gut-friendly benefits.
Sweet and Savoury Surprises:
Crawfords Rock ventures beyond the savoury with their Ebony Black 95% chocolate bar infused with Smoked Bushmills Salt, a delightful sweet and salty treat for those who crave a unique after-dinner experience. They even offer a Vegan Seaweed Salt n Chilli Chocolate for those with dietary restrictions.
Experience the Irish Open at Home:
Want to experience the full range of Crawfords Rock’s dedication to quality and taste? Look no further than their Tee Off package, a curation of their products inspired by the Amgen Irish Open.
Other Facilities
Have you ever dreamt of diving into the emerald embrace of the Irish Sea, not just figuratively, but literally? Crawfords Rock Seaweed offers an experience that transcends the ordinary, inviting you to become one with the very source of their culinary and wellness magic – the seaweed-kissed shores of the Kingdom of Mourne.
Imagine yourself on a crisp morning, the invigorating ocean air tingling your senses as Michelle Wilson, a descendant of generations of seaweed harvesters, guides you along the rugged coastline. Her passion for the sea and its treasures is infectious as she unveils the secrets of this underwater bounty. Learn to identify different varieties of seaweed, each with its unique flavour profile and health benefits. Discover the sustainable practices that are the cornerstone of Crawfords Rock’s philosophy, ensuring the ocean’s health for generations to come.
The experience doesn’t end with mere knowledge. Feel the thrill of wading into the waters, your hands reaching out to grasp the fronds of kelp and bladderwrack, the very ingredients that transform into delectable seasonings and luxurious bath soaks. Imagine the satisfaction of contributing to the Wilson family’s legacy as you help harvest this natural treasure.
But the journey doesn’t stop there. Return to a cosy haven where the aroma of freshly harvested seaweed mingles with the promise of a delectable feast. Witness the transformation firsthand as Michelle, a culinary alchemist, weaves her magic, crafting a meal that showcases the ocean’s bounty. Savour the salty tang of seaweed-infused seafood, the delicate earthiness of a salad laced with seaweed flakes, and perhaps even a surprising sweet treat infused with a touch of the sea.
Crawfords Rock Seaweed’s experience isn’t just a tour; it’s an immersion into a way of life. It’s a chance to connect with the rhythm of the ocean, to appreciate the power of sustainable practices, and to discover the hidden depths of flavour and well-being that lie within the emerald embrace of the Irish Sea. It’s a memory you’ll carry with you long after the last bite, a taste of the wild, a connection to the earth, and a newfound appreciation for the magic of seaweed.
Sustainability
The Wilsons: Stewards of the Sea and Champions of Sustainability
The crisp air of the Irish Sea carries more than just the invigorating scent of salt and spray. It carries the whisper of generations past, the echo of the Wilson family’s footsteps on the shorebanks of Derryogue Harbour. Here, for over 300 years, their story has been woven into the fabric of the landscape, intertwined with the iconic landmark of Crawfords Rock.
Unlike commercially farmed seaweed, Crawfords Rock Seaweed champions a different approach. Their seaweed is hand-harvested by generations of experienced foragers, a meticulous practice ensuring minimal disruption to the delicate underwater ecosystem. This commitment to sustainable harvesting is more than just a philosophy; it’s a core value for the Wilsons. They are not just farmers, but custodians of the shoreline, holding historical kelp rights.
Leading the Charge in Sustainable Practices: The Wilsons take their responsibility to the ocean seriously. Every member of the family undergoes rigorous training in Leave No Trace principles. This internationally recognised programme ensures their harvesting methods minimise disruption to the underwater world. They are leading lights in the industry, demonstrating that a thriving seaweed business can coexist with a healthy ocean.
The majestic sweep of the Mourne Mountains, particularly Slieve Bignian, is still reflected in the harbour waters on a clear day at low tide. This enduring connection between the Wilsons and the sea is captured in the Crawfords Rock logo, which also incorporates a traditional stone ditch wall – a defining feature of the Mourne landscape.
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