1.
seaweed; marine algae
Plants that grow in the sea, used in Japanese cuisine and other applications.
海藻は健康にいい。
Seaweed is good for your health.
海藻サラダを注文した。
I ordered a seaweed salad.
この地域では海藻の養殖が盛んだ。
Seaweed farming is thriving in this region.
TYPES:
Common edible seaweeds in Japan:
- 昆布 (kombu/kelp) - used for dashi
- わかめ (wakame) - used in miso soup, salads
- 海苔 (nori) - used for sushi, onigiri
- ひじき (hijiki) - dark seaweed, often simmered
- もずく (mozuku) - slimy seaweed, eaten with vinegar
- めかぶ (mekabu) - root of wakame
USAGE:
- 海藻サラダ (seaweed salad)
- 乾燥海藻 (dried seaweed)
- 海藻を採る (to harvest seaweed)
NUTRITION:
Seaweed is valued in Japan for its minerals (iodine, calcium), fiber, and umami. It's a staple of washoku (和食).
NOTE:
Not to be confused with 海草 (sea grass, a different type of marine plant).