Seaweed is a group of marine plants classified as algae, found in oceans and salty waters around the world. Often, seaweed is used as a food additive, snack, and even as a seasoning because it can impart an umami flavour. As a result, the sales trend for seaweed shows very positive prospects with increasing demand from various sectors and global markets. This industry offers significant opportunities for innovation and sustainable growth.
Seaweed seasoning has become an increasingly popular flavour enhancer in the culinary world, especially in Asian cuisine. Seaweed seasoning is typically a blend of spices consisting of dried seaweed that is crushed into a powder. Other ingredients may include salt, sugar, sesame seeds, and various other spices to enhance the flavour. Common types of seaweed used include nori, kombu, and wakame.
- Nori is dried seaweed sheets often used to wrap sushi, and it is frequently used as a topping for dishes like snacks and ramen.
- Kombu is a type of seaweed commonly used to make dashi broth in Japanese cuisine. Kombu has a strong umami flavour and can also be used in various soups and stews.
- Wakame is usually found in miso soup. This seaweed has a soft texture and a slightly sweet and savoury taste. Besides soup, wakame is also often used in salads.
Here are some examples of how seaweed seasoning is used in food:
- Umami Flavor Enhancer
Seaweed is known for its high natural glutamate content, which can provide an umami flavour to add depth and complexity to dishes. - Topping for Rice and Sushi
One of the most common uses of seaweed seasoning is as a topping for rice and sushi. Furikake, for example, is a mixture of seaweed with sesame seeds, salt, and sugar, sprinkled on top of rice to add flavour and texture, and is often used on onigiri. - Ingredient in Soups and Broths
Seaweed seasoning is often used in soups and broths to add depth of flavour. Kombu, a type of seaweed rich in glutamate, is often used as a primary ingredient in making dashi, a fundamental broth in Japanese cuisine. - Snack Flavouring
Seaweed seasoning is also very popular as a snack flavouring. It can be used to add flavour to potato chips, popcorn, roasted nuts, and rice crackers.
Seaweed seasoning is one of the flavour enhancers that can boost the umami taste in dishes. This seasoning offers many uses in the culinary world, from sprinkle seasonings and sushi wraps to making dashi. We offer a wide range of seaweed seasonings that can be applied to various dishes or snacks. Contact us for more information.