Table of contents:
Summary
Hijiki is a popular edible seaweed in Japan, Korea, and China, thriving in rocky coastal areas. Harvested primarily between March and April, this black algae features long stems, known as Naga Hijiki, which become crisp when properly prepared. Other varieties include Meh Hijiki, Kome Hijiki (resembling rice), and Hime Hijiki. Hijiki is rich in minerals like iron, calcium, and magnesium, but also contains arsenic, regulated by various laws. It is believed to help balance hormones and lower cholesterol. Typically sold dried and rehydrated before use, Hijiki is commonly enjoyed as a salad mixed with ingredients such as carrot sticks, fried tofu, and edamame, dressed with soy sauce and sugar, serving mainly as a side dish rather than a main course.Hijiki – Popular Seaweed Salad
Hijiki is a seaweed that is commonly eaten and harvested in Japan, Korea, and China. Hijiki grows in rocky coastal areas. The Hijiki season is between March and April. Hijiki is black and consists of a long stalk from which small shoots grow. This stalk can become very long. It is called Naga Hijiki and is quite crunchy when properly prepared. Additionally, there are Meh Hijiki, Kome Hijiki (translated as “Reishijiki” due to its visual similarity to rice), and Hime Hijiki (Princess Hijiki). Hijiki contains many minerals (e.g., iron, calcium, and magnesium) and a considerable amount of arsenic (which is actually dangerous, but in small quantities is non-toxic). However, there are various laws and regulations regarding the allowed arsenic content in Hijiki. By the way, the seaweed is also said to help maintain hormonal balance and lower cholesterol levels.
Hijiki as a Side Dish
During harvest, Hijiki has a green-brown coloration and is immediately dried and then sold dried. Before preparation, Hijiki is simply soaked in lukewarm water for 5 minutes and can then be used like fresh Hijiki. By the way, this is also how Wakame seaweed is prepared. Hijiki is commonly eaten as a salad and is complemented with vegetables and other ingredients: Frequently, these include carrot sticks, Agedashi (fried tofu), and Edamame (green soybeans), but other vegetables also taste very good! The dressing usually consists of soy sauce and sugar. Hijiki is usually a side dish and not a main course.
Comments