Eden
Eden Arame Sea Vegetable
What it is
Arame is a type of brown seaweed that grows in the Pacific Ocean, often harvested off the coast of Japan. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a tender yet firm texture. It comes dried and needs to be rehydrated before cooking. Eden Foods sources this arame from a cooperative of fishermen.
How people cook with it
Arame is a versatile ingredient that can be added to many dishes to impart a subtle oceanic taste and a pleasing texture.
- Stir-fries
- Soups
- Salads
- Side dishes
To prepare arame, first rinse the dried seaweed under cool water to remove any sea salt or debris. Then, soak it in a bowl of cool water for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until it becomes tender and expands. Drain the rehydrated arame well. You can then add it directly to stir-fries, simmer it in soups, or incorporate it into grain bowls and salads. It cooks quickly, usually requiring only a few minutes of additional heat.
How it differs from similar foods
Compared to wakame or kombu, arame has a more delicate flavor and a finer strand. It is less chewy than hijiki and does not require as long a soaking time as some other dried seaweeds. Its texture is softer and more yielding.
Who it is for
Home cooks looking to incorporate nutrient-rich sea vegetables into their everyday meals will find arame easy to use.
How to keep the rest
After rehydrating, store any unused arame in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep the dried arame in its original packaging in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.