Seaweed is a type of marine plant that grows in the sea. We sustainably harvest our seaweed from the pristine ocean waters in Maine. Once dried, seaweed provides flavorful nutrition that can be used in a variety of dishes. High in protein, vitamins, and minerals, seaweed offers a unique taste and texture that adds depth to any recipe.
If you're new to cooking with seaweed, you might be wondering what types of seaweed are available and how to use them in your cooking. There are many different types of seaweed, each with its own unique characteristics and uses. The types of seaweed we love to use in our kitchen include:
Nori
Kombu
Dulse
Wakame
Different Types of Seaweed
Nori
Nori is a type of seaweed that is commonly used to wrap sushi, but can also be used for snack, salads, and soups. It has a slightly sweet and savory flavor with a soft, pliable texture. Nori is high in protein and vitamins, making it a nutritious and tasty choice.
How To Use: To use nori, simply sprinkle on soups, salads, or rice dishes. For snacks or toppings, shred it and add it to your favorite meals.
Kombu
Kombu, also known as Sugar Kelp, is a type of seaweed that is often used in Japanese and Korean cooking. It has a savory and slightly sweet flavor with a soft, chewy texture. Kombu is an excellent source of minerals and trace elements, often used to make dashi, a type of broth base for soups, stews, and sauces.
How To Use: To use kombu for making dashi, simply soak it in water. Sprinkle into any soup, stew, or sauce for extra flavor and nutrients.
Dulse
A key ingredient in the Medical Medium’s Heavy Metal Detox Smoothie!
Dulse is a type of seaweed that is native to the Atlantic Ocean. It has a salty, savory flavor with a soft and chewy texture. Dulse is often enjoyed as a snack or used on top of salads. Try our Applewood Smoked Dulse for a kick of flavor!
How To Use: To use dulse, you can simply tear it into small pieces and add it to smoothies, salads, soups, stews, and grain dishes to enhance the flavor.
Wakame
Wakame is a type of seaweed that is commonly used in Japanese miso soup and seaweed salad. It has a slightly sweet and savory flavor with a soft and slippery texture. Wakame is perfect for soups, salads, and stews.
How To Use: To use wakame, simply soak it in water and add it to your favorite recipes.
Tips for Using Seaweed
If you're trying seaweed for the first time, here are a few recommendations to get you started.
Start with small amounts:
Seaweed has a strong and distinctive flavor, so it's best to start with small amounts and gradually increase as you become more accustomed to the taste.
Experiment with different types:
Each type of seaweed has a unique flavor and texture, so it's a good idea to try a few different types to see which one you like best.
Use it as a garnish:
Seaweed can be used as a garnish to add flavor and nutrients to your dishes. Simply sprinkle a few shreds of seaweed on top of soups, salads, and grain dishes for a burst of flavor.
Mix it with other ingredients:
Seaweed can be mixed with other ingredients to create flavorful and nutritious dishes. Try adding seaweed to smoothies, dips, and spreads for a tasty and healthy boost.
Key Takeaways
- Seaweed is a nutrient-dense food that is rich in iodine, calcium, magnesium, potassium, vitamins A, C, and B complex.
- Easy to use in a variety of dishes, from salads to soups to sushi rolls.
- The best part about seaweed, it’s a sustainable food option that grows quickly and doesn’t require pesticides.
Next time you're in the kitchen, consider incorporating seaweed for an exciting culinary adventure!