Can a flavour enhancer really be natural and chemical-free?! We’re happy to tell you that it can, and that Atlantic organic kombu has earned the title! With a slightly salty taste and rich in minerals, kombu seaweed is a great addition to soups, salads, broths and other delicious dishes. In addition to its exciting taste, kombu’s salty taste also makes it a healthy alternative to processed salt. What exactly is it? Let’s take a closer look at kombu!
What is kombu?
Kombu (Laminaria Digitata) is a mineral-rich algae of the Atlantic brown algae family, used both in cooking and as a healing agent for multi-faceted support of the body. Kombu is widely used in both East Asian and Japanese cuisine, where it has been used for thousands of years to flavour soups, broths, noodle dishes and rice. The algae has also long been a favourite among Europeans. The ancient Greeks, however, used algae mainly for medicinal purposes. For the Vikings, on the other hand, algae growing on the ocean coast served as a lifeline, saving sailors from scurvy, a disease that was widespread at the time. But the useful brown algae still carries the title of superfood to this day, and rightly so! Brown seaweeds, including kombu, are common among cooking enthusiasts and health lovers alike.
Kombu as a natural flavour enhancer and superfood
Organic Atlantic kombu is truly delicious, containing natural glutamic acid, a flavour enhancer, and is therefore well suited as a substitute for synthetic seasonings and processed broth powders in a variety of dishes. In addition to its exciting taste, the kombu is bursting with benefits! Kombu is abundant in:
- B-group vitamins (including vitamin B-12);
- Vitamins A and C;
- iron, potassium, iodine, magnesium and calcium – over 50 different minerals in total.;
- high quality plant protein;
- beneficial antioxidants (including beta-carotene) and amino acids.
- Kombu can be help in case of:
- weakened immunity;
- thyroid issues;
- various types of inflammation;
- in the elimination of heavy metals from the body;
- balancing cholesterol levels;
- iodine deficiency;
- prevention of Alzheimer’s disease;
- wound healing;
- supporting digestion.
In addition, kombu can provide protection against radiation due to its fucoid content.
How to use kombu flakes?
Kombu flakes are an excellent addition to salads, soups, sandwiches, sauces, stews and rice dishes. However, kombu’s powerful healing properties also make it ideal for infusing into a detox smoothie or crunching straight from the packet! However, kombu flakes taste especially good in a variety of Asian and Japanese dishes, adding an exciting flavour twist. Try adding kombu to noodle soup or sprinkle kombu in broth instead of a processed broth powder. Seaweed flakes are also suitable for imitating a variety of fish dishes for vegetarians. If you prefer to avoid animal products but crave the occasional taste of fish then make a vegetable tuna salad. It is the seaweed flakes that add the fish flavour!
RECIPE: Vegetable “tuna” salad with kombu seaweed.
Put the seaweed flakes to the test immediately and prepare a delicious and nutritious vegetable “tuna” salad! To prepare, you will need:
- 240g cooked chickpeas.
- 25g chopped red onion
- 40g chopped celery
- 2 tbsp tahini
- 2.5 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 0.5 tsp mustard
- 1 tsp Centralsun organic kombu seaweed
- 0,5 tsp black salt
Preparation: Place the chickpeas in a bowl (if using canned chickpeas, rinse the peas under running water beforehand and strain thoroughly) and mash them with a fork so that there are no excessively large chunks in the salad. However, be sure to use a fork or masher to crush the chickpeas; a blender or a food processor are not suitable, as they can result in a chickpea puree, which is more suitable for hummus but not for salad. To the chopped chickpeas, then add the chopped onion, celery, lemon juice, tahini, seaweed flakes, mustard and black salt. Mix well and serve with fresh herbs on crusty bread or enjoy plain.
Get your organic seaweed flakes from Centralsun’s online shop.
The organic Atlantic kombu flakes are waiting for you in our algae selection. Place your order today and treat your body to exciting flavours!
Get your organic kombu flakes HERE.