Seaweed

Dried seaweed is easily available from major supermarkets. You can also get fresh ones if they are in season. Generally, seaweed is high in fibre and minerals. Hijiki seaweed (left) is dark green to black and if often sold in dried form. Before cooking, soak hijiki seaweed in water for 30 minutes and rinse thoroughly. It is often cooked with vegetables and soy beans.

Wakame seaweed (Centre) is a green algae easily obtained in dried form. Some of types of wakame don’t require soaking in water before cooking, so you can sprinkle them into soups directly. Salted raw wakame is also available when in season and can be eaten as sashimi or in salads.