SEAWEED 101

If you’re on TikTok, then you’ve definitely seen — or at least heard about — Emily Mariko’s infamous salmon bowl. If not, it’s basically deconstructed sushi made up of leftovers. But, the star of the show is how she eats. Mariko uses seaweed sheets, also known as nori, to scoop and eat the salmon mixture.

This video not only took the internet by storm but introduced many to the superfood that is seaweed and enjoying it outside of sushi rolls.

In its natural habitat, seaweed is rather unappealing. But, it holds a multitude of health and environment benefits. Seaweed is the name for multiple species of algae and marine plants. The different species come in a range of sizes from phytoplankton to the size you usually see on the beach and large kelp that grows like a tower.

Many of these species are also edible — and quite delicious. It can be an interesting cuisine to get into but the benefits and taste are worth it. Move over kale, because seaweed is the new superfood and it’s here to stay.

Ways To Enjoy Ways To Enjoy

NORI

This is a red seaweed that’s dried into sheets. When you eat sushi, nori is what you’re eating. They’re also sold in packs to enjoy as a quick snack or crumble over rice and popcorn for a unique, umami flavor.

KOMBU

Instead of eating this brown seaweed, it’s mainly used as a flavoring agent for class Japanese broths and soups like dashi and miso soup.

WAKAME

Another brown seaweed, but unlike kombu, wakame is meant to be eaten. It’s also used to create miso soup, but is left in when served to be eaten. It has a slightly sweet taste, making it perfect for seaweed salad, like the image to the right.