Harvesting the sea in Waterford

Festival forager shines the spotlight on seaweed’s benefits

Marie Power, aka The Sea Gardener, is a Waterford-based seaweed forager, educator, food producer and author of a cookbook and foraging guide called “The Sea Garden.”
The Sea Gardener launched a range of healthy protein snack bars in 2014, and soon after, a savoury caponata, all containing her own special blend of seaweeds. These innovative and tasty foods are broadening the appeal of seaweeds. The products were very well received and are now stocked in stores in Waterford, Cork, Wexford, Kilkenny and Dublin.
Marie has always been interested in wildlife and she now combines her passion for food and ecology in The Sea Gardener business. “We are interested in the source of our food and in making the link between the origin and consumption of food as short and simple as possible.”
The Waterford Harvest Festival takes place from September 11th to 13th and Marie will be educating the public about the benefits of seaweed and showcasing her latest products as part of the Waterford Chamber Skillnet Big Taste tent in the city centre.

Image: Patrick Browne
Marie Power, aka The Sea Gardener, foraging with helpers Katie and Harry Earl on Garrarus beach near Tramore in Co. Waterford. Marie’s book and seaweed products will be available for sale during the Waterford Harvest Festival, which runs from September 11th to 13th. www.waterfordharvestfestival.ie