Guso is a Cebuano term for a gelatinous seaweed called agar-agar, scientifically known as Eucheuma cottonii.

It also brings healthy benefits for our body as it is said to be a good source of vitamins and minerals. A healthy food for those with goiter problems, it is rich in protein and iodine.

Guso Salad or "kinilaw na guso" can be a perfect appetizer or can be a viand itself as it brings flavor to rice, boiled bananas and sweet potatoes. You can even pair it with grilled or fried fish or fatty foods such as lechon or liempo.

Guso looks like a smooth miniature leafless branch.

To prepare your own Guso Salad (kinilaw na guso), follow these simple steps:

Ingredients
• 1/4 kilo guso (seaweed)
• 1 cup vinegar
• 2 small onions, sliced
• 3 pcs tomatoes, chopped
• 1 thumb-sized ginger sliced
• 2 tbsps patis (fish sauce)
• 1 green mango, shredded
• guinamos (shrimp paste)
• 2 calamansi, juice only

Procedure
1. Rinse the guso seaweed with water (lukewarm or running water), just enough to clean it.
2. Blanch the guso in hot water but don't hold it long as it might affect its texture. Remove the guso and allow



the excess water to drain.
3. In a bowl, mix with all the ingredients (chopped ginger, onions, tomatoes, vinegar and patis). Season it with your own flavor and toss.
4. You can add shredded green mango and guinamos, though only optional.

Tip: Don't leave the seaweed soaked in any acidic dressing too long as this will dry them out and make them wilt quickly. So just prepare what you can eat.

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photos/source/reference:
foodrecap.net
bohol.ph
lutongpinoy.info