Thick, wide strips of Kombu are commonly used to flavour Japanese soups, noodle broths and stocks (dashi).
Kombu contains natural glutamic acid - an umami-providing amino acid - that draws out the taste of other foods.
To prepare a basic stock, add one piece of kombu to a litre of water and bring to a simmer. If the kombu is soaked in the water for an hour first it will become tender enough after simmering to slice, season and add to vegetable dishes.
A strip of kombu cooked with beans helps to soften them and improve digestibility.
Kombu contains a wide range of minerals and is especially rich in iodine.
Clearspring Kombu is Laminaria japonica, sustainably wild harvested and dried in Japan.
Ingredients:
Dried Kombu sea vegetable (Laminaria japonica)
Seaweed is high in iodine. Anyone with thyroid problems should seek medical advice before using seaweeds.