The seaweed is harmless. But, it’s unsightly, and it stinks. That’s why it’s such good news that the beaches of Playa del Carmen are free of sargassum for the first time in more than six months. It’s been a tough summer for the workers at resorts along the Mexican Riviera, with Playa del Carmen being the focal point of the sargassum problem.
Sargassum-free beaches, therefore, were a welcome sight for visitors and workers both. The tradeoff is that there might be a danger of a hurricane during the next month. It’s the stormy weather out over the Atlantic that is affecting both the weather patterns and the seaweed collection at Yucatan Peninsula beaches.
Still, other beaches along the coast of the peninsula have moderate seaweed problems. The resorts are at the mercy of the vicissitudes of the weather. For Playa del Carmen, those changing situations have brought good fortune, and the forecasts are that there won’t be much algae or sargassum buildup from now until at least the middle of October.
Despite sargassum’s negative reputation, it’s actually quite a delicacy. You can eat the softer parts in a salad, spritzed with lemon juice. Or you can batter the leaves and deep fry them for a great bar favor. You can even fry them in oil with some carrots and celery for a wonderful side dish for fish.