Sakuraco Logo
snack box
お菓子の箱について
subscription
pricing
about us
私たちについて
subscribe
購入する
account menu button
Sakuraco Logoaccount menu button
snack box
お菓子の箱について
subscription
pricing
about us
私たちについて
subscribe
購入する
Top StoriesNewsFood & Drink
Food & Drink
Top Stories
News
Food & Drink
search

culture, japanese food, nori

Nori: Everything You Need to Know About Dried Seaweed!

Karina Ikedo

Karina Ikedo

Share:

A bowl of nori seaweed.

If you have ever eaten sushi before, you have probably tasted nori. But it’s a bit of an unsung hero, so much more than just a sushi wrapper. It’s a nutritious treat, providing health benefits too. So, if you want to learn more, you’re in the right place. We’ll review this excellent condiment and five things you need to know about this delightful treat! So, keep on reading to find out.

What is nori?

Nori is a type of edible seaweed that grows in the Pacific and North Atlantic Oceans. People have used it as a wrap for centuries to keep food fresh. Its natural properties make it widely used in traditional Japanese foods, particularly sushi. It is a versatile ingredient that adds a unique flavor and texture to many Japanese dishes.

Typically, manufacturers dry nori and sell it in thin, paper-like sheets, packaging them in resealable plastic bags. Its texture is crispy and brittle when dry but becomes soft and chewy when wet. Now that we know what this seaweed is, here are five things you need to know about this Japanese snack!

Where does dried seaweed come from?

An underwater seaweed farm.
Seaweed farming involves a lot of hard work and care. Image via Shutterstock

Seaweed farms cultivate it by filling nets with red algae seeds and setting them below the ocean surface. The farmers carefully control the water temperature to ensure optimal growth, as nori requires specific weather conditions. The crops can reach a length of up to 20 cm, indicating they are ready for harvest.

Farmers get to the seaweed nets in boats where they can harvest each crop around four times. After harvesting the seaweed, farmers wash it with fresh water. Then, they pour it into a machine that dries it into paper-like sheets over a heated surface.

Looking to enjoy Japanese foods and seasonings without leaving your home? Check out Sakuraco! Sakuraco delivers traditional Japanese snacks, teas, sweets, and snacks from local Japanese makers directly to your door so you can enjoy the latest treats from Japan!

What are the different types of seaweed?

One everyday use of nori is in the form of square sheets used to make sushi. People also roast these sheets to make onigiri (rice balls). They also have kizami nori by slicing dried seaweed into thin ribbons. This dried seaweed is usually used as a topping for salads, pasta, or decorative dish seasoning.

A bowl of shredded seaweed.
Kizami nori is a trendy topping. Image via Shutterstock

Finally, there’s nori paste precisely what it sounds like. It is a seaweed-based paste seasoned with soy sauce or mirin (rice wine). Each seaweed version offers a unique experience suitable for any dish. Some people even use it in the West for their cuisine as well.

What does nori taste like?

High-quality nori has a very delicate umami taste. This allows it to complement the subtle flavors of sushi rice and fish. It has one primary flavor, and that is salt. Nori can get this naturally salty flavor because it is harvested from the sea. Nevertheless, its consistent texture far surpasses its already exquisite taste. As it’s a type of seaweed, it has a bumpy texture. The texture ranges from crispy to a little bit chewy.

Is nori good for you?

There is a straightforward reason for the wide usage of nori: it offers incredible health benefits. Nori is a natural source of many essential minerals and vitamins, making it a nutrient-packed food. Additionally, it offers one of the broadest ranges of nutrients of any food, including many found in human blood! Because the chemical composition of seaweed is so close to human blood plasma, they are excellent at purifying blood.

Sheets of nori with an eg yolk.
Egg yolk adds a creamy layer to dried seaweed! Image via Shutterstock

What are the different ways to use nori?

Its crisp and thin properties mean it can be quickly wrapped, seasoned, or soaked. Blend sheets of nori with sea salt, and you’ve got seaweed salt! Nori can also be ground up and mixed with other nutritious ingredients, such as sesame or sunflower seeds. They have a crispy texture and deliciously natural salty and umami flavor, so you can enjoy them as it is.

Nori is an essential ingredient in Japanese cuisine, adding unique flavor and texture to many dishes. It’s a versatile ingredient worth adding to your pantry if you want to try something new. Have you tried nori before? What are some of your favorite ways to enjoy nori? Let us know in the comments below!

Enjoy new Japanese sweets, snacks & tea every month

Discover authentic flavors with Sakuraco

Enjoy new Japanese sweets, snacks & tea every month $32.50 USD

Get Sakuraco package

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related Articles

A platter of kaiseki cuisine from Kumamoto.

Kumamoto Food: Five Great Dishes to Try!

Whether exploring Kumamoto Castle or soaking in hot springs, sampling this prefecture’s signature dishes is essential to the experience!  

December 09, 2024
A bowl of mamegashi, similar to Japanese peanuts, in a bowl.

Japanese Peanuts and Beans: The Wonders of Mamegashi!

Japanese snacks, including wagashi (traditional sweet) and Japanese peanuts, hold a special place in the country’s culture.

December 06, 2024
The inside of Seki Seika Confectionery, as featured on Jun's Kitchen.

A Sweet Journey with Jun’s Kitchen: Exploring Traditional Japanese Confectionery

Recently, the webseries “Jun’s Kitchen” highlighted Seki Seika Confectionery (関製菓本舗), a family-run workshop known for its century-old commitment to crafting high-quality Japanese sweets.

December 06, 2024
An assortment of kohakutou, with a large piece of pink candy in the middle.

Kohakutou: The Beautiful Crystal Jelly

Kohakutou has taken the culinary world by storm. Made from agar and sugar, this sweet is known for its jewel-like appearance. Its unique combination of a crunchy outer layer and soft interior makes it a delightful treat!

December 05, 2024
Footer background patternFooter background pattern
Sakuraco
Subscription & gifts
PricingUpcoming Month’s BoxPast Month’s Box
Today's Offer
Personal GiftCorporate Gift
Support & Information
FAQContact UsCompare to Bokksu

Be the first to know!

Join our newsletter and receive tasty news and deals

AnIchigo Logobrand.
Copyright © 2024 Sakuraco™. All Rights Reserved.

Accepted Payments

Visa payment availableMastercard payment availableAmerican Express payment availableDiscover payment availablePayPal payment available