Potential of Ulva linza L. and Caulerpa racemosa var. uvifera seaweeds from Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh as sea vegetable

The nutritional quality parameters of leafy Ulva linza L. collected from the west coast of the Naf river estuary, Teknaf and grape-like Caulerpa racemosa var. uvifera collected from St. Martin's Island, Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, were studied. Total protein content in U. linza (22.05±1.73%) was found significantly (p<0.05) higher than C. racemosa var. uvifera (18.20±1.50%) but with low crude lipids in the former; total amino acid content was also higher in the former, both having nearly the same amount of essential and non-essential amino acids; vitamin C content (about 2.5 mg/100 g) was nearly identical but β -carotene content was higher in the later (9.04 mg/100 g dry wt.). Crude fiber in U. linza was low (4.21±0.43%) but high in C. racemosa var. uvifera (18.20±1.50%). Other micronutrients were also ascertained. The nutritional quality parameters determined suggested that the “sea-salad” and “sea- grapes” can be used as sea-vegetables and food supplements.Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res.56(3), 223-230, 2021