Nutritional Values
Ingredients: Seaweed (Undaria Pinnatifida) 78%, Filler Agar-Agar, Wood Ear Mushrooms (Auricularia polytricha), Sugar, Chili, Sesame, Fructose Syrup, Salt, Sesame Oil, Soy Sauce (Soybeans, Water, Wheat, Salt), Rice Vinegar, Water, Colorants: E102, E133, Preservatives: E202, E211.
Wakame Seaweed Salad IKRiNKA
Wakame seaweed is a true all-rounder in the kitchen and highly versatile. It's no wonder, as this brown algae captivates with a sweet aroma, which is why it's also called "sweet vegetable algae." If you want to buy Wakame, you should pay attention to the high quality of the algae, which is particularly popular for preparing delicious wakame salad or miso soups.
What is Wakame?
Wakame is a type of algae and is classified as brown algae. In Japan, the algae is known as Goma Wakame and is an indispensable part of their cuisine. Numerous dishes such as salads, soups, and rice pans are enhanced with this algae.
Originally, Wakame comes from the Pacific around Japan, China, and Korea. Today, it can also be found in South America, Australia, and the Atlantic. As a cultivated algae, it is grown in shallow waters all over the world. The algae must grow for about two years before the leaves can be harvested.
What parts of the brown algae can be consumed?
Generally, the entire algae can be processed. The root, for example, is a special delicacy with a high nutritional value. In our region, Wakame is usually available in dried form. For preparation, the purchased Wakame is soaked in water and can then be further processed for seaweed salads, sandwiches, and soups.
Where can you buy Wakame algae?
You can buy Wakame in delicatessens, Asian markets, and supermarkets with fresh food sections. Even more convenient is ordering from an online shop. Fresh Wakame, organic Wakame, and Wakame from conventional cultivation are available. In addition to dried algae, which are primarily available here, ready-made salads can also be purchased. These are traditionally prepared with sesame oil and fresh sesame. Online purchases are usually fast. However, pay attention to the quality of the product.
How does Wakame algae taste?
The leaves are sweet and have a slightly salty marine note. They taste particularly good in combination with a few other ingredients. In addition, the crunchy texture makes this sea vegetable a popular ingredient in Asian dishes.
How healthy is this sea vegetable?
This sea vegetable is rich in proteins, vitamins A, C, and E, as well as the minerals calcium and magnesium. Even vitamin B12 is part of its nutritional profile. In addition, the algae contains iodine. Since iodine content in our soils is generally very low, there is often a deficiency in this country. Therefore, the algae can be a good source. However, the food should only be consumed in moderation, as too much iodine can also have negative effects. Especially people with thyroid problems, children, and the elderly should soak it for several hours and rinse it thoroughly before consuming. This reduces the iodine content.
How long does Wakame last?
Dried Wakame algae can be stored for several months without problems. A dry, dark, and cool storage place should be preferred. Prepared algae can be stored in the refrigerator for about two to three days, but should be consumed quickly. Dishes with Wakame algae can also be frozen. The quality will remain intact.
How do I properly prepare Wakame algae after buying it?
Preparing this sea vegetable is quite simple. If you want to use dried algae, rinse it well with cold water and soak it in lukewarm water for about five minutes. The algae will significantly increase in volume. Afterward, squeeze out the soaked algae well and continue with the further preparation according to the recipe.
As a vegetable, Wakame algae is cooked. A half-minute bath in boiling water is sufficient. Immediately afterward, you should quench it with ice-cold water to preserve its bright green color.
The dried algae can also be crushed to serve as an intensely aromatic spice.
What dishes can I prepare with Wakame algae?
The classic is a salad with this sea vegetable. For this, the algae are prepared as described above and refined with a dressing of ginger, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame. Chili and sesame are usually added. Fish such as salmon pairs well with it.
Another classic dish with Wakame algae is miso soup. This is prepared with vegetable broth, ginger, spring onions, and tofu and supplemented with the marine product as a delicious vegetable insert. These are cooked for this purpose.
This superfood is also popular as an accompaniment to sushi, in combination with glass noodles and other vegetables, in rice pans, and even as a salty contrast in desserts. You can see for yourself, this power vegetable from the sea has a lot to offer and can be prepared in particularly creative ways.
Tip: As a spice, Wakame algae is an ingredient for delicious spreads and thus replaces salting.