Barilla vs. Kelp — What's the Difference?

Barilla refers to several species of salt-tolerant (halophyte) plants that, until the 19th century, were the primary source of soda ash and hence of sodium carbonate. The word "barilla" was also used directly to refer to the soda ash obtained from plant sources.

Kelps are large brown algae seaweeds that make up the order Laminariales. There are about 30 different genera.

Any of several Mediterranean halophytes, especially Salsola kali, S. soda, or Halogeton sativus, that were formerly burned to obtain a crude soda ash.

Any of various brown seaweeds of the order Laminariales, often growing very large and forming dense beds.

The crude sodium carbonate ash that was obtained from these plants.

The ashes of seaweed, formerly used as a source of potash and iodine.

(botany) Any of several not closely related saltmarsh plants that were once burnt to obtain soda ash, such as Soda inermis.

Any of several large brown algae seaweeds (order Laminariales).

The alkali produced from the plant, an impure carbonate of soda, used for making soap, glass, etc., and for bleaching.

The calcined ashes of seaweed, formerly used in glass and iodine manufacture.

Impure soda obtained from the ashes of any seashore plant, or kelp.

(intransitive) To gather kelp.

A name given to several species of Salsola from which soda is made, by burning the barilla in heaps and lixiviating the ashes.

The calcined ashes of seaweed, - formerly much used in the manufacture of glass, now used in the manufacture of iodine.

The alkali produced from the plant, being an impure carbonate of soda, used for making soap, glass, etc., and for bleaching purposes.

Any large blackish seaweed.

Bushy plant of Old World salt marshes and sea beaches having prickly leaves; burned to produce a crude soda ash

Large brown seaweeds having fluted leathery fronds

Algerian plant formerly burned to obtain calcium carbonate