The Panlatuan Bay is a cove covering
the barangays of Lungib, San Rafael and Inapugan. It has a pure seawater, which
is considered as high saline, with 28-31 ppt as tested by a refractometer.
With said environment, the “lato” or sea grapes grows naturally and abundantly in the muddy sand, with an area of about ten hectares , as estimated by the Municipal Agriculture Office Technician. The term “Panlatuan” is a local dialect meaning, a place where “lato” came from.
“Lato”, scientifically known as Caulerpa lentillifera, is
one of the favored species of edible Caulerpa due to its soft and succulent
texture. They are also known as sea grapes, green caviar and "ar-arosep".
This pretty green seaweed is made up of tiny oblong balls. Study shows that said seaweed contains high amount of minerals, balanced amino acid profile and rich in iodine.
In most cases, it is eaten raw, as an appetizer or salad,dipped in vinegar, lemon juice mixed with onion and other spices. Local folks observed that said seaweed is more abundant from October to May than during rainy season when the level of salinity decreases.
This pretty green seaweed is made up of tiny oblong balls. Study shows that said seaweed contains high amount of minerals, balanced amino acid profile and rich in iodine.
In most cases, it is eaten raw, as an appetizer or salad,dipped in vinegar, lemon juice mixed with onion and other spices. Local folks observed that said seaweed is more abundant from October to May than during rainy season when the level of salinity decreases.
The
“lato” from this area, can now be found
at the wet markets of the provinces of
Albay, Sorsogon, and even in some parts of Metro Manila. Yet, in terms of taste, nothing compares to
the freshly harvested one from the Panlatuan Bay.
Now, harvesting of the "lato" is regulated by the municipal government of Pilar in accordance with the municipal ordinance adopted by the Sangguniang Bayan, to preserve and conserve the said
sea weed.
OTHER ADVENTURES IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF PILAR:
Bird Watching at the Egret Sanctuary
Vera Falls, one of nature's wonder
No comments:
Post a Comment