What is dried kelp?

You’re probably thinking, why on earth would anyone want to write about dried kelp? Well, we’ll give you two reasons: one, because it’s weirdly fascinating, and two, because we have nothing better to do with our time. So buckle up folks, it’s going to be a seaweed-filled ride.

Let’s Start by Understanding What Dried Kelp Is

Dried kelp (or any type of seaweed for that matter) is essentially just a bunch of algae that has been left out in the sun until all the moisture evaporates from it. This process sounds simple enough, but there’s actually quite a bit more involved in getting perfectly seasoned kelp for consumption – trust us.

Why Would Anyone Want to Eat Seaweed?

Great question! Seaweed might not sound appetizing at first glance but hear us out…it tastes surprisingly good AND it’s packed with health benefits like iodine and fiber. Plus if mermaids eat this stuff then clearly it must be delicious too right?!

Origins of Dried Kelps: Where Does It Come From?

Kelps (used here specifically as edible types found in Japan) are primarily sourced from waters surrounding Japan where they grow naturally. The Japanese take their seaweed so seriously that there are actual designated “kombu islands” which basically function as giant farms for growing these puppies.

Harvesting this Green Goodness

The process involves divers manually harvesting these underwater treasures using knives or scissors whilst holding onto ropes underneath them for balance. Going through all that trouble when there is so much other food to be had definitely sounds fishy, right? But hey, we can’t judge a culture for its love of the ocean.

The Big Question: Is it Sustainable?

Unfortunately this isn’t an easy sell – in many cases, especially with overfishing and pollution/chemical waste within these seawaters—well let’s just say kelp may not check off your sustainability requirements.

So How Do You Get Dried Kelp?

Once harvested, the dirty work involves washing excess sand debris or other critters from the visible kelps (which bear resemblance to large elephant-eared leaves), followed by rinsing out sea salt crystals.

Afterwards they will hang them up like dirty laundry before briquettes made of bamboo charcoal are lit beneath them for slow heating under controlled temperatures (typically around 104°F). This process intensifies their umami flavor while simultaneously dehydrates moisture content in it down to ~10%, give or take.

All About Seasoning

Flavored variaties often involve additional steps such as soaking in broth until fully absorbing salty flavors that unique each brand depending on recipe and technique used—Fun Fact: it’s said chefs developing their own secret heirloom secrets full taking generation(s) perfecting…

Different Ways To Consume Those Greens

Kelp comes prepared differently per dish though surprisingly versatile more than you might imagine:

As soup stock.
Sliced into thinner reminescents ribbons simmered with seasonings called tsukudani
Wrapped around sushi rolls for true connoisseurs (like me! But not really, but can pretend)
Blended or grinded into powdered form for garnishing any dish- Neeeed more umami? Problem solved.

Possible Risks to Note

Wait there’s a catch you ask?!:

Excessive consumption has been linked health risks such as excessively high quantities of iodine
Potential exposure to heavy metals like arsenic in the water where kelps were harvested.

But hey just always remember everything is good when used/stocked within safe healthy moderation limits!

The Verdict on Dried Kelp

So what did we learn today folks? Well, first and foremost if mermaids eat it then clearly it must be worth some consideration (minus fish friends). Secondly this green gold isn’t just fantastic flavor; consumed in moderation they also offer valuable nutritional benefits in addition to having its critics call every chance at our mortal peril. So go ahead—take that deep sea dive and give dried kelp a try…and report back?

Final Thoughts on Dried Algae

In all honesty, the world of dried kelp makes us crave for something new and weirdly interesting funny enough —but sushi will suffice tonight thanks.. If nothing else, learning about kelp certainly made writing this article very well-spent time. Think algae monsters are primarily here solely exist during sci-fi movies!? Think again pal!