Wakame is a Japanese edible seaweed known for its rich flavour and nutritional benefits. Often used in Japanese cuisine, it is commonly found in soups, seaweed salad and side dishes.
Wakame is readily available in a dried form which needs to be rehydrated but this wakame is packed fresh in natural seawater, which helps preserve its freshness, flavour and nutritional properties. As it doesn't require rehydration, it is ready to use immediately after rinsing.
What is Naruto Wakame?
Naruto Wakame is a high-quality wakame harvested from the waters around Naruto, a city in Japan famous for its seaweed production. The waters there are known for strong tidal currents, which contribute to the exceptional texture and flavour of the seaweed.
Fresh Wakame Seaweed
Fresh wakame has a soft texture with a slight crunch and a mild, slightly sweet and briny flavour with a hint of the ocean. When heated gently it will soften and turn a bright green.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
Seaweed is a powerhouse of essential vitamins and minerals, including:
Iodine: Vital for thyroid function and hormone regulation. Seaweed is one of the richest natural sources of iodine, which helps maintain a healthy metabolism.
Vitamins A, C, E, and K: These vitamins support skin health, immune function and blood clotting.
Calcium and Magnesium: These minerals contribute to bone health, muscle function and overall cellular processes.
Incorporating seaweed into your balanced diet can be a nutrient-dense way to deliver a range of health benefits and promote overall wellness.
How to Use:
Since it's packed in seawater, we recommend rinsing the wakame 5 times under fresh water to remove excess salt and hand squeeze the water out.
Store in the fridge. Once rinsed, the seaweed can be kept for 5 days in the fridge. You can keep the rest of the sachet in the freezer after opening.
This wakame is already hydrated, so it can be added directly to your dish. No need to soak or rehydrate like dried wakame.
Perfect for miso soup. After preparing the miso soup base with dashi stock and miso paste, simply add fresh wakame during the last minute of cooking. Let it simmer briefly, then serve with tofu, spring onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
Add wakame to a simple clear broth of vegetables or chicken. It pairs well with mushrooms, tofu or fish.
Fresh wakame is ideal for salads because of its slightly crunchy texture and mild, oceanic flavour. Toss into a cold salad with cucumber and add a light sesame or vinegar dressing.
Serve as a side dish dressed with soy sauce, vinegar, or sesame oil.