Chuka Wakame (Seasoned Seaweed) (Frozen)

TASTING NOTES FROM THE CURATOR

The word “Chuka” means China in Japanese, and refers to the Chinese ingredients used to make Chuka Wakame. The seaweed is often seasoned with soy sauce, sesame oil, chili peppers, sesame seeds, sugar, and salt. Our Chuka Wakame comes from Korea, but is no less authentic in its taste. It has an olive-green color, with a crunchy and chewy texture. Its taste is salty and sweet, and filled with umami.

PREPARATION AND PAIRINGS

Chuka Wakame, or Seasoned Seaweed, is a popular otsumami (Japanese snack or appetizer), and thus, is great to eat on its own. But can also be used as a side for bentos. You can also toss them in salads, or add them into soups. Pair with beer or sake.

WAKAME AND NORI

Wakame is a type of Japanese seaweed, and people might confuse it with nori, another type of Japanese seaweed. But they are actually very different. Wakame is not the same as nori, which is a dried seaweed used to make sushi. Nori comes in flat, dried sheets, whereas dried wakame is commonly in the form of shriveled strips that look like sea raisins. Dried wakame must be soaked before use, whereas nori is commonly toasted before sushi rolls, or onigiri, are assembled.

Storage Instructions

Keep frozen. Once thawed, it can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.