What is "Hatsu-Nori"? The best season for seaweed

Seaweed season

Although we see seaweed all year round, it actually has a specific season.
It depends on the region, but generally it is from mid-October to early April.

Nori from the Ariake Sea in Fukuoka Prefecture is mainly produced in two seasons, with the first harvest being harvested in mid-November and early January. The second and third harvests continue until mid-March, for a total of about 10 harvests.

We recommend coming during the harvest season, as you can enjoy the natural aroma of seaweed, which is only available during this time of year.

What is Hatsu-Nori?

Although it varies slightly depending on the region and type of seaweed, the first seaweed harvested during the seaweed harvest season from November to February is generally called "Hatsu-Nori." Hatsu-Nori is an extremely rare seaweed that accounts for less than 1% of the seaweed sold nationwide in a year.

The taste varies depending on the fishing ground, but the first seaweed harvested is the most nutritious and has the best taste. In addition to being crisp and crunchy, the seaweed itself is known for its deep flavor and smooth texture.

Three characteristics of Hatsu-Nori

• Soft texture: Hatsu-nori is a young seaweed, so it is soft and melts easily in the mouth.
• Rich flavor: Hatsu-nori has a strong seaweed scent and a rich flavor.
• High nutritional value: Hatsu-nori is rich in vitamins and minerals.

How to choose your first nori

When selecting the first nori, it is said that green and shiny seaweed is best.
Additionally, foods with a strong scent of the seashore or seaweed have a pleasant aftertaste and are delicious.

How to enjoy the first seaweed

Hatsu-nori seaweed is very soft, so we recommend dipping it in a little soy sauce and eating it as is with freshly cooked rice. You'll be able to enjoy its melt-in-your-mouth sweetness and umami.

It is also recommended to add it to hand-rolled sushi just before serving, or to miso soup or other soup ingredients. Because it is soft, it dissolves easily in water, and its concentrated flavor and smooth texture stand out.

summary

What did you think? Not many people may have been aware of the season for seaweed, but the first seaweed of the season is a precious seaweed that lets us feel the arrival of winter. Also, since the harvest is small, it is very valuable, and compared to seaweed from other seasons, it is very soft and flavorful.

Nori seaweed is in season in Japan, a country with four distinct seasons. Why not try the first nori seaweed of the season this winter?