Swedish researchers have tested 4 methods for stabilising the seaweed Saccharina latissima cultivated along the Swedish coast, after harvesting. These methods are freezing, sun drying, oven drying and ensilage.

The impact on the biochemical composition is different depending on the stabilisation method used. Sun drying concentrates the mineral matter in the biomass and negatively affects the protein, alginate and fatty acid content. On the contrary, ensilage concentrates the protein, amino acid and fatty acid content while the mannitol and laminarin content is significantly reduced. Depending on the biomass applications, it could be advisable to choose one stabilisation method over another.

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