Gamet facts for kids

Gamet is a special kind of dried edible seaweed found in the northern Philippines. It comes from places like Ilocos Norte and Cagayan, especially the town of Burgos. Gamet is dried into thin, purplish-black sheets or cakes. These are called pedazo (which means "piece" in Spanish).

People in the northern Philippines use gamet in many dishes. It's popular in soups, salads, and even omelets. It adds a unique taste to their food.

What is Gamet?

Gamet comes from a type of red seaweed called Pyropia vietnamensis. This seaweed used to be known as Porphyra marcosii. It only grows in the cooler waters off northern Luzon in the Philippines.

How is Gamet Collected?

Collecting gamet is a traditional process. People gather it by hand from rocks when the tide is low. This job can be quite challenging because of sharp rocks and strong waves.

After gathering, the seaweed is washed in seawater. Then, it's laid out to dry in the sun. This drying process takes about three to eight hours. Gamet is a seasonal food. It can only be found during the monsoon months, usually from November to March.