Dehydrating Seaweed and Dried Seaweed Ideas

To dehydrate seaweed, start by rinsing fresh seaweed in fresh or salt water. Pat the seaweed dry, then cover it with wax paper and spread it on food dehydrator trays in a single layer. Dry any type of seaweed at 95°F for 8 hours, checking regularly to ensure even drying.

How to Dehydrate Seaweed in a Food Dehydrator

Seaweed or sea vegetables are algae or macroalgae that are found in the ocean at low tide. They are a food source for marine life and can be found in different colors, including green, red, black, and brown. There is a wide variety of edible seaweeds, from the native sea lettuce, dulse (‌palmaria palmata), and Irish moss to the Asian staples of nori and kombu (sugar kelp).

Dehydrating seaweed in a food dehydrator is a great way to remove its moisture content and extend its shelf life. Here’s a step-by-step guide to dehydrating seaweed in a dehydrator:

1. Gather or buy fresh seaweed for dehydration.
2. Wash the seaweed to remove any dirt, grime, sand, snails, and other unwanted items from the seaweed. Rinse the seaweed either in filtered water or salt water.
3. Pat the seaweed dry with paper towels to remove as much moisture content as possible, or use a salad spinner to dry the seaweed.
4. Cover the seaweed with wax paper and spread it across food dehydrator trays in a single layer to ensure adequate air circulation and speed up the drying process.
5. Dry seaweed in the food dehydrator using a low-temperature setting or 95°F for up to 8 hours. Check the drying seaweed periodically to ensure they dry evenly and flip or rotate as necessary. Fully dried seaweed should be crunchy.
6. Once completely dried, remove the seaweed from the food dehydrator and allow it to reach room temperature.
7. Transfer the dried seaweed to airtight containers, add an oxygen absorber, and store it in a cool, dry place.

What Temperature Do You Dehydrate Seaweed?

The ideal seaweed drying temperature is 95°F. The seaweed will dry in about 8 hours and should be crunchy or leathery when completely dried. The drying time will vary depending on the dehydrator you’re using, the humidity in your area, and the moisture content of the seaweed.

Should Seaweed Be Washed Before Dehydrating?

Yes, seaweed should be washed and rinsed in fresh water or salt water before dehydrating it to remove grit and marine life, which could contribute to dried seaweed product deterioration.

What are the Benefits of Dehydrated Seaweed?

Dehydrated seaweed is good for you. It has the benefit of being incredibly versatile and can be used in different types of cuisines.

Here are a few health benefits of dehydrated seaweed:

1. High in Antioxidants

Dried seaweed contains various useful compounds, including carotenoids and flavonoids, as well as antioxidants. These antioxidants prevent cell damage caused by free radicals.

2. Helps Regulate Blood Sugar

Brown seaweed contains a chemical called Fucoxanthin, which was found to help improve blood sugar levels in a recent study. In addition, an alginate element in seaweed prevented increases in blood sugar levels in mice after consuming a high-sugar meal.

3. Rich in Nutrients

Different seaweed varieties contain different nutrients. Dried seaweed products not only add flavor, taste, and texture to dishes, but they are also a great way to boost your mineral and vitamin intake. Dried seaweed contains modest amounts of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as magnesium, calcium, salt, zinc, and folate.

Seaweed is also a good source of vitamin B12 and omega-3 fatty acids. Dried green and red seaweed have the highest levels of these nutrients.

4. Supports Gut Health

Dried seaweed is rich in fiber, which improves gut health. It contains more fiber than many fruits and veggies contain.

5. Supports Weight Loss

Seaweed contains dietary fiber and is low in calories. The fiber in dried seaweed may help make you feel full longer, preventing hunger pangs.

What Does Dehydration Do to Seaweed?

‌Different drying techniques can affect the color and texture of seaweed. For example, the air-drying and sun-drying methods are said to improve the quality of fresh seaweed while increasing its shelf life.

When seaweed is dehydrated, it becomes brittle or crunchy and will lose its slimy texture. Depending on the variety of seaweed harvested, the color can also intensify. Dehydration also concentrates the seaweed flavor, giving it a stronger taste.

What is the Difference Between Dehydrated Seaweed and Regular Seaweed?

Dehydrated seaweed has a more intense flavor than regular seaweed because it is in a more concentrated form. When it comes to texture, dehydrated seaweed is tougher than fresh seaweed.

What Can I Use Dehydrated Seaweed For?

Here are some creative ideas for how to add seaweed to your meals:

1. Blend dried seafood with sesame seeds to make furikake and add it to rice or egg dishes.
2. Cut roasted seaweed into thin strips and use a topping for cold or warm rice bowls, salads, or noodle dishes.
3. Soak dried seaweed in warm water as a base for a classic Japanese seaweed salad.
4. Use dried kelp or Japanese kombu as a base for dashi stock.
5. Use dried nori to make sushi rolls.
6. Use dried sea lettuce sheets to wrap fish before cooking for extra flavor.
7. Use dried seaweed to make umami broth as a soup base.

How to Store Dehydrated Seaweed

When properly packed and stored, dehydrated seaweed can last for up to 10 years. Although dehydrated seaweed products do not go bad, poor storage can lead to a loss of flavor and nutrients.

Store dehydrated seaweed in airtight containers away from direct sunlight. You can also freeze any type of dehydrated seaweed to extend its shelf life. Before freezing, dried seaweed must be vacuum-sealed or transferred to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container to prevent it from becoming soggy.