Kona Dragon’s Breath
While aquarists bestowed the common name upon this species for its flame-like underwater appearance, Hawaii-endemic Halymenia hawaiiana was originally known as “Lepe-o-Hina” (the shawl of the goddess Hina). This species’ robust texture and rich umami flavor made it a traditionally favored food limu here on Hawai’i Island, and we are excited to share it with the world.
Dragon’s Breath is incredibly versatile; it can be dried, smoked, roasted, fried, pickled, fermented, or used fresh as a salad vegetable. In pre-contact Hawaii it was traditionally chopped, salted, and used in stews. Rich in iron and high in protein, it is excellent in poke and ocean salads.
While it can be a challenge to forage in the wild these days, Kona Limu Company’s Halymenia is responsibly cultured year-round at our Keahole Point farm. Here, using nutrient-rich deep seawater pumped from 3,000 feet below the surfline, we can sustainably produce as much Lepe-o-Hina as Hawaii and the world need.
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When eaten fresh, has a clean seafood umami flavor, rich, almost ahi-like. Crisp but substantial texture.
When sun-dried, the flavor and texture are more like skipjack jerky. Rehydrates beautifully to become soft and vibrant pink. -
With a protein content rivaling some legumes, and rich in Vitamin C, Iron, Magnesium, Calcium and Antioxidants, Halymenia is a nutritional powerhouse.
Extracts from various Halymenia species are under investigation as sources of natural medicines, and have shown strong potential in antimicrobial, anti-tumor, antiinflammatory and antiviral applications. -
We provide Halymenia fresh from the farm packaged in either of:
1/2lb hinged deli-style retail units (20/case)
2lb clamshell containers for wholesale/foodservice (8/case)
Limu is packed with moisture control pads in each unit and shipped in insulated air cargo containers.
Kona-style Sun-dried Halymenia (~8% moisture) available in quantities of 5+lb on request. -
Unlike our Green Caviar, Dragon’s Breath is tolerant of cold temperatures. Store refrigerated for a useful shelf life of about 7-10 days. Dehydrated, Dragon’s Breath can be stored indefinitely and either used in that form or rehydrated before use.
This species holds up well to cooking, pickling, salting, drying, and smoking. Your culinary imagination is the limit.
