Rausu Kombu

Rausu is a town on the Shiretoko peninsula on the north coast of Hokkaido, which lends its name to another highly prized variety of kombu that is principally gathered on the nearby coastline. It is characterised by wide, thin fronds. Uniquely among the different varieties of kombu, thinness indicates a higher quality of rausu kombu.

It is divided into black and red varieties depending on the colour of the surface of the frond, and the former is considered to be superior. Both varieties produce a stock that possesses a depth of flavour coupled with a yellowish tint. Because of its thinness and softness, rausu kombu is also used as an ingredient in numerous Japanese dishes.