| VIII.
海帶(昆布)
Kombu is a 2-year perennial sea vegetable and basically divided
into 7 types. Gathering season is from June to October, but the
best season is from the middle of July to the beginning of August
when Kombu has grown the most. MUSO's Kombu products consist of
Naga-kombu and Ma-kombu, which are two of the highest grade Kombu.
Both types of Kombu are domestically gathered on the clean natural
coasts of Hokkaido and are high in nutritious value. Kombu contains
very little calories and is a popular diet food. It contains the
most potassium of all the sea vegetables. Since potassium removes
sodium, Kombu is effective in improving swelling. Kombu contains
fucoidan, a type of polysaccharide. Fucoidan has been spotlighted
for its function of activating the liver cells. It is effective
in cleaning the blood and decreasing cholesterol levels.
White powder on the surface of Kombu is the substance for its main
flavor; therefore, kombu should not be washed but wipe sand and
any other dirt matters with a cloth. Kombu is most widely used for
broth. Compared to the broth made from animal products, broth made
from kombu has less fat and tastes lighter. Therefore, it is recommended
for elderly people and those with high blood pressure. After boiling
MUSO's "Dashi Kombu," it can be used for the soup of Udon
and Soba noodles, steamed dishes, dressing, and pasta. MUSO's "Kombu"
can also be used for steamed dishes, fried dishes, etc. "Tororo
Kombu" can be added to Udon and Soba noodles. "Nekombu"
is usually soaked in water and this soaking water becomes a nutritionally
rich beverage which includes the nutrients of kombu. Kombu will
become damp and lessens in flavor after exposure to air; it is recommended
to keep in a plastic bag or in a can. Damp kombu can be dried under
the sun, then it will be crispy again. |