Hijiki(a type of sea vegetation) is a mass of black kinky and brittle strands when purchased dried. But soak it, then braise it in a sweetened soy broth and it becomes a tender, lustrous vegetable with a licorice-like flavor. Store hijiki in its original cellophane bag in a dark, dry spot at room temperature until opened, then transfer any hijiki not prepared the same day to an airtight container. Caloric value of all sea vegetation is difficult to determine, though it is thought of as “not particularly fattening” by the Japanese. Hijiki is an excellent source of calcium (one reason why the Japanese can balance their diet without dairy products) and minerals.
