Evaluation of sea lettuce (Ulva rigida) collected from Çanakkale Strait as salad and soup by determining the seasonal nutritional content

The main aims of this study are determining seasonal chemical composition of green seaweed and evaluating usage of a food source with different processing techniques. For this purpose, Ulva rigida were collected from Çanakkale Strait, Türkiye and amino acid, fatty acid and proximate composition were determined seasonally in both fresh and dried samples. According to results; Ulva rigida contains high protein and amino acids content whereas it has low fat content differs in the range of 0.46-0.85 % in fresh samples and 1.81-4.53 % in dried ones. In the following, the obtained algae samples in the all seasons were processed into salad and algae soup. Most favorite consuming options determined as algae salad among groups. Besides, two consuming options were scored highest in spring and autumn. In a conclusion, Ulva rigida is evaluated a desirable aquatic food source by the consumers, especially in spring.