Seaweed is a rich and valuable natural resource.
Seaweed is a staple in the diets of people in a variety of countries around the world, especially Japan. It also plays an important role in the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals including anticoagulants, antibiotics and cholesterol-lowering medications as well as dietary supplements. There are many different kinds of seaweed, most of which are rich in iodine and many other trace minerals. Seaweed is also one of the highest food sources of vitamin B12.
Nori
Nori may best known in the U.S. as the green papery seaweed used to wrap sushi.
Nori, or laver, is commonly used in Asian cooking to make soups or as an accompaniment to rice. It's also used in the preparation of laver bread, a Welsh delicacy. Many Americans would know it best as the green papery seaweed used to wrap sushi. Nori contains vitamins B1, B2, B6, B12, C and E.
Kelp
Seaweed is a good source of vitamins, especially B12.
There are several varieties of kelp. Two of the most common are kombu and wakame. Kelp can be cooked as a vegetable or added to soups. When air-dried or sun-dried it is also commonly used as a seasoning. Kelp contains vitamins A, B1, B6, B12, C and K.
Irish Moss
Seaweed plays an important role in the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals and dietary supplements.
Carageenan is extracted from Irish Moss. Carageenan is a thickener, gelling agent and stabilizer used in many foods including gelatin, frozen desserts, salad dressings, chocolate milk, evaporated milk and pudding. Irish moss is high in vitamin A and also contains vitamin B1.
Dulse
Seaweed is a common ingredient in soups.
Dulse is also commonly used in soups and salads and has a slightly chewy texture. It is high in vitamins B6 and B12 and also contains vitamins A, E and C.
Tags: commonly used, contains vitamins, wrap sushi Nori, also commonly, also commonly used