Inventory: kelp

With the release of the Aquatic update in July 2018, the underwater realm of Minecraft underwent significant transformation, becoming much more vibrant. A wide variety of species emerged: corals, seagrass, dolphins, a water bucket (which should definitely be included here), and much more. This week’s highlight is an incredible plant that stands out among others due to its versatility—kelp!

Kelp was first introduced in a clip during Minecon Earth in 2017, and by February of the following year, it made its way into the snapshot 18w07a. Initially, kelp could be found growing throughout the ocean, typically near seaweed. However, in later updates, developers adjusted its spawning locations, making cold ocean biomes its primary habitat.

The artist Mojang, Jasper Burstra, shared the story behind the creation of kelp, highlighting all the challenges and innovations involved in the process.

“Kelp is the first plant in Minecraft for which we developed animation. Previously, the only moving elements were particles, water, lava, and some solid blocks. However, we had never worked with a plant that also required transparency.”

Creating a plant on land would not pose any challenges for animation, as it is generally unnecessary. Additionally, the process can be quite complex and time-consuming. However, when it comes to the ocean, stationary kelp would appear unrealistic due to its presence in moving water.

The animation of kelp movement is smooth and wave-like, contributing to an authentic underwater atmosphere. To collect kelp, you simply need to strike it with your hand or almost any object. It falls immediately, taking down all blocks above it. This allows for easy harvesting of large quantities without consuming much time, effort, or resources. If you prefer not to dive into the ocean, you can also look for it among wandering traders.

Once you gather at least one plant, you can place it back into any water block. The most fascinating aspect occurs when it’s positioned in a downward flowing water block. As the kelp grows within it, it transforms that block into a water source block, which is quite useful for creating large columns of still water. Additionally, kelp can be utilized in constructing scaffolding for underwater environments, as blocks can be placed above the plants.

Kelp is an excellent addition to your composter. It has a 30% chance of increasing the composter’s level. By placing fresh kelp in the furnace, you can obtain dried kelp, which is edible. Consuming it restores one hunger point and has the added benefit of being eaten extremely quickly—about twice as fast as any other food in Minecraft Bedrock. Just don’t mention it to Jasper, but in reality, kelp isn’t classified as a plant. It belongs to the group known as “heterokonts,” primarily consisting of algae, ranging from tiny diatoms to massive towering varieties.

Approximately 5 to 23 million years ago, algae began their evolutionary journey. Today, they rank among the fastest-growing organisms on Earth. Some species can grow up to one and a half meters in a single day, reaching lengths of up to 80 meters.

For millennia, humans have been aware of algae’s existence and have utilized them. Numerous archaeological discoveries from the Stone Age indicate that people consumed kelp as food. Some researchers suggest that our ancestors may have reached America by following the kelp forests along the Pacific coasts.

Currently, kelp is widely used in the production of various products, including soap and glass. Additionally, the substance known as “alginate,” derived from kelp, is used to create condensed milk, jelly, salad dressings, toothpaste, and certain types of dog food.