Discover the authentic taste of Japanese cuisine with Clearspring Japanese Hokkaido Kombu, a premium dried sea vegetable renowned for its rich umami flavor. Harvested from the pristine waters of Hokkaido, this thick, wide strip kombu is an essential ingredient for creating traditional Japanese soups, noodle broths, and dashi stocks. Kombu is naturally high in glutamic acid, an amino acid responsible for its distinctive savory taste that enhances and deepens the flavors of other ingredients. Incorporating kombu into your cooking not only adds complexity but also helps soften beans during cooking, improving their digestibility and texture. Key Benefits: Rich Umami Flavor: Adds depth and enhances the taste of soups, broths, and stocks. Natural Source of Iodine: Supports thyroid function with its high iodine content. Improves Digestibility: Aids in softening beans and legumes when cooked together. Versatile Ingredient: Perfect for traditional Japanese dishes and innovative culinary creations. Usage Suggestions: Use kombu strips to prepare authentic dashi by simmering them gently in water before adding other ingredients. Combine with beans to enhance texture and ease digestion. Ideal for enriching miso soup, noodle broths, and vegetarian stocks with natural umami. Allergy Notice: Due to the natural harvesting process, this product may contain trace amounts of fish, molluscs, and/or crustaceans. Important: Kombu is naturally high in iodine. Individuals sensitive to iodine should consult a healthcare professional before consumption.