Abstract

• Morphological characters, nutritional value and elements composition of Gracilaria were studied. The red algae Gracilaria wre collected from Ngapali and Kyauk Phyu in the Southern Rakhine State during 2019. Algae are used as food in different parts of the world. In Rakhine State, a few kinds of marine algae have been harvested for food and algal salad is one of the traditional diet for local people. There is no scientific documents concerning with the edible algae. Edible red algae Gracilaria species were generally found in winter season and summer months. In the present research, morphological characters of Gracilaria were studied and elements composition and nutritional value were determined. Several constituents of nutritional value are present in red algae Gracilaria such as protein 16.57 %, carbohydrate 47.26 %, fiber 5.99 %, fat 0.23 %, ash 14.83 %, moisture 15.12 % and energy value 258 Kcal. Elements composition are Ca 19.24 %, K 23.20 %, S 27.70 %, Si 19.87 % and Fe 7.75 % respectively.