There is a new sustainable superfood on the scene that is set to take over the world. Okay, perhaps not takeover per se, but it’s doing more than just upgrading our menu. This vegan-worthy food is being used in everything from biodegradable and edible packaging to beauty products to biofuels. So, what is it?
Well this super, eco-saving, world-appreciating, salty goodness, coming to a plate near you, is..... seaweed. Yes, that’s right--seaweed farming exists and it’s harvesting a lot of money! New companies such as Evoware, in Indonesia, have created seaweed-based packaging to support our environmentally friendly lifestyle. The Lonely Planet also reported that seaweed is set to be used in creating an environmentally-friendly sunscreen. Furthermore, it’s been reported by PBS that the U.S’s Department of Emergency has invested a whopping $22million into developing tools for large-scale seaweed production as a biofuel.
Seaweed has been used in Japan for a long time. In fact, seaweed was valued so much in Japan that you used to be able to use it to pay your taxes. Seaweed comes in a variety forms and is already seen in a lot of dishes. For example, Nori, typically seen on sushi, is a variety of seaweed that is chopped and dried. Wakame, another Japanese favorite, is used in salads and soups. Want to add depth of flavor to broth? Throw in a sheet of Kombu!
Seaweed superfoods are not only saving the planet, but are packed full of vitamins and minerals such as calcium, copper, iodine, iron, and magnesium. Here at SideChef, we love things that are good for us and the planet, and we have the best recipes to prove it.
These rice balls make a delicious, healthy meal! Perfect for a snack or packing for lunch.
These Sweet Potato Quinoa Sushi Rolls with Spicy Mayo are the perfect fix for your sushi craving--ready in 30 minutes and within the comfort of your own home!
One of our favorite superfoods is Spirulina, a type of microalgae that serves as a great natural multivitamin with high levels of protein, iron, vitamin B, chlorophyll, and antioxidants.
This vegan recipe is so close to the real thing that you will never go back to missing ramen soup again! Using miso and kombu to achieve the authentic flavor, and lots of seitan and vegan egg as toppings, this dish will not disappoint!
This vegan one-pot meal contains rich miso broth, protein-rich edamame, flavorful and filling soba noodles, and fresh green and orange vegetables.
A simple (and vegan!) miso broth with bok choy, shiitake mushrooms, soft tofu, and udon noodles.
