Sea Vegetables also know as algae and seaweed are a world food of goodness. Some of the more recognizable types of seaweed are nori, hijiki, laver, wakame, kombu, and dulse.
Because of various heavy metals that have polluted water over the years, including arsenic being present in many sources of seaweed, make sure you purchase certified organic seaweed. A few trusted brands include: Maine Coast Sea Vegetables, Eden Foods, and Emerald Cove. You can find any of these brands at a local health food store or co-op. The 4th Street Food Co-op in NYC for example sells many of these seaweeds in bulk.
Most seaweeds are dehydrated and packaged; they just require a few minutes of soaking and a good thorough rinse.
Nutrients
1/4 cup of sea veggies (algae) provide over 270% of daily iodine needed, vit k, folate, magnesium, calcium, iron, and vit B, and lignans (a phytonutrient show to have cancer-inhibitors).
Benefits
They are noted for supporting healthy thyroid function, a preventative for cardiovascular diesease and birth defects, have an-inflammatory properties, and relief for menopausal symptoms.*
Recipe
Deconstructed Sushi Salad :: In honor of National Salad Month
3 servings
Salad
(ingredients are always organic unless noted otherwise :: conventional avocados can be used :: sea vegetables MUST be organic)
1 head green leaf or romaine lettuce, washed and chopped
1 1/2 cups cooked brown rice, cooled to room temperature (optional)
2 large avocados, sliced horizontally in thin slices
1/2 cup soaked hijiki or wakame **
3 raw nori sheets**
Dressing
1/4 cup hemp oil
2 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
2 tablespoon tamari
1 tsp powdered ginger
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
juice of half lemon (or 2 tablespoons rice vinegar)
Preparation
Mix all the dressing ingredients and place to the side.
Assemble on plate in the following order (layered) – 1 large handful lettuce, 1/2 cup rice, 1/3 of avocado slices, and 2 heaping tablespoons of hijiki. Drizzle salad dressing over salad. With culinary scissors or hands, cut/tear 1 nori sheet into shreds and place on top of salad.
** Hijiki, wakame, and nori are all sea vegetables. You can find them at your local health food store.
