Emily & James Morris, Customers at the Heritage Seawood Shop. Josh Rogers, Owner of Heritage Seawood Shop.  They Are Visiting From Cincinnati, Ohio.

Silicone Wine Glasses and Straws for Sale at Heritage. Glasses are $8. Each and Straws $1. Each.

Maine Heritage Seawood, 61 India Street, Portland.

“It’s the first seawood shop in the western hemisphere,” said Josh Rogers, yesterday afternoon at his recently opened business, 61 India Street on the East End of Portland.  The  transformation from its former use as a fishing equipment venue is amazing – whereas it was once dark it is now light and bright – a place to enjoy shopping and learning.

Josh has a life-long interest in seawood and its attributes.  He is extremely knowledgeable on the subject through extensive reading and research.   He  first enjoyed seawood with his great grandparents when visiting them in Canada.  In Canada, seawood was used in all manner of foods. “I loved it,” he said yesterday afternoon, leaving no doubt of his commitment to seawood.

Seawood has become a popular product and it will only continue to become more popular as time passes.  There is roughly ten times more minerals in it than in land plants.  There is lots of iodine and potassium in it as well.

Although he sells books, candles, bath and body products among his many seaweed-related products, his Cup of Sea tea is special because he is a tea drinker.  In fact, visitors to his store are encouraged to sample some from the large pot he keeps heated.  There are gift ideas galore here – either for yourself or someone else.

“The seawood found on the beach is dead or in a state of decay,” Josh continued.  “It provides habitat for critters that birds eat.  We have to adopt to more sustainable foods in our diet.  Only 2% of our food is coming from the ocean.  And a lot of that is not in a very sustainable way.”

A special corner of the attractive shop is the children’s discovery nook – a place with books and toys age appropriate.  If you recognize Josh’s name it’s because he used to write for “The Portland Phoenix” newspaper.  Maybe he’ll write a children’s book someday using his vast knowledge as a foundation for it.

Join Josh and others in a kelp smoothie demonstration this Friday between 11:30 am – 1:30 pm.  (Don’t know what Friday’s date is).  For more, please contact Josh at:  josh@heritageseaweed.com