Seaweed is one of the few veggie sources of iodine, which is important for cognitive function and maintaining healthy skin. Should we be eating more of it?
Dried seaweed (or nori) is an incredibly nutritious ingredient. It’s a good source of protein – essential for the body to grow and repair itself – and it contains a whole host of vitamins and minerals, which our body needs in small amounts to stay healthy and work properly.
Seaweed is one of the few veggie sources of iodine, which is important for cognitive function and maintaining healthy skin. It is also a good source of vitamin B12, potassium, iron, copper and manganese.
Native British seaweed
As an island nation, we are blessed with a supply of some of the world’s great sea-based foods, including lots of seaweed! However, despite Irish and Welsh traditions such as laverbread, most people in the UK today have come to associate seaweed with Asian recipes.
If British seaweed with all its benefits has sparked your interest, have a look at these recipes for Coconut rice poké or Salmon and seaweed salad. Top chef Nathan Outlaw also has a lovely recipe for Cockle and seaweed risotto.
In terms of fresh varieties, kelp is a great ingredient to cook with because of its intense umami flavour – great for adding extra depth to soups and stews. So try something different, and give seaweed a whirl!
Don’t miss this week’s episode of Friday Night Feast (Friday, 8pm Channel 4) to see what tasty treats Jamie and Jimmy rustle up with seaweed.