If you have never tried sea grapes before, you’re missing a treat! The taste of sea grapes is unique and delicious. They have a briny, ocean-water flavor, crunchy texture, and a slightly fishy smell. The glistening green clusters are actually a type of pear-shaped kelp. They’re about the size of a marble and hang from their tree for longer than most grapes do. Eventually, they turn a deep reddish color.
Seagrapes are algae that grow on the ocean floor. The edible leaves of these plants are called Umi budo in Japan. While they’re popular in Japan’s southern prefecture, they’re also enjoyed in the Philippines and Malaysia. In addition to being eaten raw, they’re sometimes served at fine dining restaurants. Their unique flavor and texture have led many people to cook and eat them as an alternative to traditional vegetables.
What are Sea Grapes?
Seagrapes are a popular food in south-east Asia, Japan, and Okinawa. The Japanese call it Umibudo, which means “sea and grapes.” The name is fitting because sea grapes resemble tiny clusters of green grapes. The leafy portion of the seaweed is edible, and it grows on a long edible stem. The sea grapes are edible and can be eaten in various ways.
The name “sea grapes” comes from the seaweed’s appearance, which resembles tiny clusters of green grapes.
What do Sea Grapes Taste Like?
The flavor and texture of sea grapes are distinct. Seagrapes have a slightly salty or briny flavor, similar to ocean water. Some people believe that sea grapes have a sweet and acidic flavor intensified when chewed. On the other hand, seagrapes have a flavor similar to seaweed and a texture similar to caviar. Surprisingly, the sound of sea grapes bursting into your mouth is called “Puchi-Puchi,” an onomatopoeia for the popping of sea grapes.
If you’re curious about what they taste like, you can try them raw. The slightly fishy flavor will disappear when they’re cooked. They’re best eaten raw, but they’re edible in any form. Their crunchiness and soft texture make them great for salads and great with sashimi and sushi. A few sources even claim that they’re better when cooked. So, if you’re wondering what sea grapes taste like, check out the video below!
Where can you Find Sea Grapes? What’s the Best Way to get them?
Seagrapes are a type of seaweed that has been domesticated due to increased demand. Seagrapes are primarily found in the oceans of the Indo-Pacific region and Okinawa.
If you don’t live in one of those areas, you can still find sea grapes in large convenience stores specializing in exotic foods. They are usually dried, packed, and soaked in seawater to preserve sea grapes.
When you buy them in this state, you have to wash them thoroughly in clean water and soak them for a few minutes to desalinate them and restore their softness and moisture.
Seagrapes are popular in the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Japan, known as Latok in Malaysia. It is known in Vietnam as rong nho or rong nho born, which means “sea grape algae.”
Is it True that Sea Grapes are Actually Fish Eggs?
Seagrapes aren’t the same as fish eggs. They’re berries, after all. They’re also known as sea beans. Seagrapes are another name for them. Grape seeds are another name for them. They’re also known as bean seeds. They’re also known by a variety of other names. Green beans are another name for them. They’re also known as jelly beans. Sugar, corn syrup, gelatin, and artificial flavors are commonly used. Sugar, corn starch, and artificial flavors are also used to make them. The most common color is red. The majority of them have a round shape.
Is Sea Grape Seaweed Good for you?
Green caviar is a seaweed with many nutritional and health benefits, including vitamins and minerals, which is why it is known in Japan as “longevity seaweed.”
It’s no surprise that Okinawans live longer than the rest of the world, not just in Japan. Okinawans consume a healthy amount of umi-bud daily.
Umibudo is low in calories, rich in minerals, vitamins A and C, calcium, zinc, and iron, and has medicinal properties. This green seaweed algae also contains many omega-3 fatty acids and vegetable protein per calorie.
Are there any Health Benefits of Sea Grapes?
1. Bones and Joints Strengthening
Seagrapes are high in protein, calcium, and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, all of which are good for you (DHA, EPA, ALA). Meanwhile, it helps relieve inflammation and reduce the signs and symptoms of bone loss.
2. Aids in the Improvement of Eyesight and Heart Health
Seagrape contains unsaturated fatty acids AA, LA, DHA, EPA, and ALA, which aid in improving eyesight and memory, lowering cholesterol, improving blood vessel fluidity, preventing oxidation, maintain collagen structure in the arteries, and preventing cardiovascular diseases like stroke, atherosclerosis, and myocardial infarction.
3. Assists in the Prevention of Hypertension and Diabetes
Because of its ability to trigger excretion and regulate normal blood pressure for patients with high blood pressure, sea grapes, which are high in calcium, potassium, and vitamin C, effectively lower blood pressure. In addition to containing vitamin C, Sea Grapes help regulate blood sugar levels, prevent the spread of free radicals, reduce intracellular sorbitol buildup, and prevent glucose and protein binding, which help reduce diabetes complications.
4. Assists in the Prevention of Constipation
Seagrapes have fewer calories and sugar, allowing good bacteria to digest food and excrete waste more quickly, effectively preventing constipation.
5. Aids in the Prevention of Goiter
Consuming 150g of Sea Grapes, which contain about 2mg of iodine, can help prevent goiter or abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland. Eating 40 grams of sea grapes per day can provide enough Iodine, which is essential for thyroid function, to effectively eliminate goiter.
6. Assists in the Development of Beautiful Skin and Silky Hair
Sea Grapes, high in vitamins, can efficiently process collagen and antioxidants to give you a youthful appearance. They’re also considered everyday cosmetics that can improve your skin regimen and hair scalp through the cellular membrane. The fatty substance in Sea Grapes can help regenerate cell membranes, increase fluidity, and reduce the mobility of the vessel pores wall, all of which can help alleviate the side effects of dry skin.
7. Aids in the Prevention of Obesity
Seagrapes have a lower sugar content but are high in vegetable protein, vitamin C, calcium, zinc, iron, and unsaturated fatty acids, making them nutritious food for overweight and dieting people.
How to Eat Sea Grapes?
You can use them in any dish, and they’ll give it a unique taste. You can also eat them raw, but make sure you rinse them thoroughly first. The salt will kill any bacteria that may be in the water. And remember, when you eat sea grapes, you should wash them well to eliminate any seawater traces.
To keep their consistency, sea grapes are best eaten raw. This ingredient is excellent for giving a dish a burst of freshness and crunch, and it helps to balance out heavy metals.
- Serve on top of rice bowls as an eye-catching garnish.
- Served as a snack with ponzu, soy sauce, or other similar condiments on the side.
- As a refreshing beverage when mixed with a hot cup of water.
- With soy sauce and served with beer as a salty bar snack.
- Serve with sashimi or as a sushi ingredient. Umibudo don is a popular Japanese dish consisting of rice and Umi budo sashimi. Sanbaisu, a sauce made from equal parts vinegar, mirin, and soy sauce, is poured on top of the meal.
When it Comes to Storing Sea Grapes, What is the Best Method?
Seagrapes can only grow in a few conditions, and one of them isn’t cold. Refrigerating them will cause them to shrink, become frail, and eventually die.
As a result, it’s best to take only the amount you want to eat and reseal them in the package, usually full of saltwater.
Seagrapes should be stored at room temperature, with the ideal temperature range being 59°F to 82°F.
Another thing to remember is that if you use dressings or other liquids on the sea grapes, you should eat them right away because they will lose their texture if left to soak for too long.
Conclusion
Seagrapes are fascinating and unique algae. Their unique taste is reminiscent of kombu, wakame, and other seaweed. Its crunchiness and mild acidity make it a great addition to various dishes. As a healthy snack, it can also be eaten raw. You can also cook with them. The most common way to prepare them is to slather them with vinegar or soy sauce.
Seagrapes are consumed raw and uncooked. They are often added to sushi and grilled dishes. They’re often eaten raw, but cooking them destroys their unique texture. Seagrapes can be used as a sushi ingredient and dipped in ponzu sauce when cooked. There are also many other ways to cook sea cucumbers, but it’s best to know where they grow. You can also try them in soups and stir-fried dishes.