What Are Kelp Granules?

What is it?

Kelp is seaweed that grows in the shallow waters of the ocean.  Kelp granules are essentially dried seaweed.  It's used as a low sodium salt alternative.

Is it healthy?

Kelp is an excellent source of iodine, which helps to helps to stimulate the thyroid gland and control metabolism.  It's also very rich in nutrients derived from the sea.  "Kelp granules are an especially rich source of potassium, iron, vitamin B-6, riboflavin, and dietary fiber. Kelp also contains a natural substance, glutamic acid, that enhances flavor and tenderizes. Phytochemicals in kelp have been shown to absorb and eliminate radioactive elements and heavy metal contaminants from our bodies"

Kelp granules are an excellent way to get all the nutritional benefits of sea veggies in a rather palatable manner.  Sea vegetables offer the broadest ranges of minerals of any food, containing virtually all the minerals found in the ocean.


Nutrition
Serving: 1/4 tsp

Calorie: 2
Total Fat: 0g
Sodium: 25mg
Potassium: 25mg
Carbs: 0g
Protein: 0g


What to do with it...

Use as you would regular salt, to season things such as: soup, stew, chili, veggies, scrambled tofu, popcorn, etc.

I like to add to cooking water to infuse the water with a helping of iodine and nutrients.

It's best not to bake with Kelp.

Can't shake the idea of eating seaweed?  Well if you've ever had sushi, you've already eaten it.  Nori that green paper thin sheet helping to hold your sushi together is in fact, dried seaweed.  Try breaking a sheet into pieces and add to Hoff's Udon Noodle Soup!


Where to find it...

Look for a product that contains only Organic Raw Kelp.

Most likely, you can find Kelp Granules at a health food store or Asian market.  I get my stash of Maine Coast Sea Seasonings Organic Kelp Granules from Vitacost.  I like Maine Coast Kelp because it is a raw food, certified organic and sustainably harvested in the nutrient dense waters of Maine.  I also like that is comes in a convenient 1.5 oz. shaker container at a very good price.  You can also find this product on Amazon.

You can find Nori Sushi roll sheets in the Asian section of any major grocery store.


Keep It Healthy!
The Hoff


Source: http://www.seaveg.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=18&products_id=81