The Tam Hai Commune in Nui Thanh District in the central province of Quang Nam is known for its seaweed specialty ‘Rau Mut’.
‘Rau Mut’ is a kind of seaweed, which is normally available during lunar October until January. This is the roughest time at sea and local residents set out to sea in search of the vegetable.
The plant grows mainly in the Ban Than Cape in the commune. It appears black in color and has very thin narrow leaves. During winter months, it serves as a staple food for people in Tam Hai.
The time to pick Rau Mut is when the ocean tide recedes, exposing the seaweed plant on slippery rock surfaces.
After picking Rau Mut, local residents usually cook it with sea fish or meat to make a special soup, which has a crisp taste.
The leftovers of the plant are dried and preserved for later use and at times even sold. One kilogram of dried Rau Mut fetches from VND600,000-700,000 (US$33).
