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Dried Seaweed (Hai Zao), is mainly grown in China but is extremely popular in Japan with common alternative names often used such as nori, arame, dulse, kombu and wakame. In addition to its culinary uses, seaweed is an important medicinal product and has salty/cold properties.
These are naturally high in vitamin B, iodine, copper, iron, magnesium, calcium, potassium and zinc.
Hai Zao sits alongside Dried Kelp Leaf (Kun Bu) as one of the two sea vegetables in our range, and works well with Dried Shiitake Mushrooms (Xiang Gu) in broths and stocks.
Umami Depth: Seaweed brings a savoury, mineral character to broths and stocks that is hard to replicate.
Naturally Mineral Rich: As a sea vegetable, Hai Zao naturally contains a range of minerals including iodine.
Cooling: Traditionally described as salty and cold in character, and used accordingly in Chinese preparations.
Plant Based: A useful way to build savoury depth in vegetarian and vegan cooking.
Versatile: Suits soups, broths, salads, and rice dishes alike.
We recommend around 5g per portion.
Rinse briefly, then soak in cold water for fifteen to twenty minutes until softened. The soaking water carries a lot of the flavour and can be kept for stock. Once rehydrated, add to soups and broths, or slice into salads and rice dishes.
Seaweed is naturally very high in iodine. It is best enjoyed in modest amounts as part of a varied diet rather than eaten in large quantities daily. If you have a thyroid condition, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or take regular medication, speak to a healthcare professional before making it a regular part of your diet.
Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Seaweed draws in moisture readily, so keep the container sealed between uses.
At Vita Herbal Nutrition, we focus on providing premium quality herbs, carefully chosen to support your journey and elevate your cooking.
We offer a 100% sulphur-free herb range. Many others use sulphur to enhance appearance and extend shelf life, but this can alter the herb’s natural properties and cause allergic reactions in some individuals.
Our herbs are sourced from authentic DaoDi-grown Chinese plants, cultivated in pristine environments to guarantee purity, potency, and sustainability. Through our trusted partnerships since 2010, we select herbs from their ideal growing regions and harvest them at the right time for maximum efficacy.
Using modern processing techniques, we ensure the integrity of each herb, so you receive the highest quality herbal supplements.
What is Dried Seaweed (Hai Zao)?It is a dried sea vegetable used across Chinese and Japanese cooking, in soups, broths, salads, and rice dishes.
How do I prepare it?Rinse, then soak in cold water for fifteen to twenty minutes. Keep the soaking liquid for stock.
How is it different from Kun Bu?Both are dried sea vegetables, but they are different species with different textures and are used distinctly in traditional preparations.
How much should I use?Around 5g per portion. Seaweed is high in iodine, so it is best enjoyed in modest amounts as part of a varied diet.
Is it suitable for a plant-based diet?Yes, it is entirely plant-derived and can be used in vegan and vegetarian preparations.
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