In case you haven’t heard, there’s a new kind of superfood in town. And it looks just like those tiny, black luxurious-looking pearls of fish roe you sometimes find on sushi and canapes, although it’s not made of fish eggs at all. Commonly know as “green caviar” or “sea grapes”, this ingredient is actually a type of seaweed that’s a staple in regions like Okinawa, Japan.
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It grows in bunches and has a crunchy bite to it, which recalls the texture of its caviar cousins that pop in the mouth. True to its origin, green caviar will remind you of seawater: salty and slightly fishy, but with a slightly refreshing note. Here are three reasons to include this superfood in your diet this year:
1. It’s A Versatile Ingredient
You can use it in a variety of ways: Dip it into something savoury like Thai chilli sauce or miso sauce for a more palatable snack. Else, use it as a topping or garnish for soup, salad or rice.
2. It’s Easily Available
Green caviar used to be found only in countries like Japan, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. But not anymore. This novelty food has made its way to our shores, thanks to globalisation and some entrepreneurial spirits.
You can now order it online via www.mealbelly.com, a local startup by Dirisa Tan. Four years ago, Dirisa had her first taste of green caviar when her dad brought it back from Vietnam. Loving it, Dirisa decided to make green caviar available in Singapore. Prices start from $3 for a 20 g serving, and includes free shipping in Singapore.
3. It’s Incredibly Good For Health
Of course, it’s not called a superfood for nothing. “Green caviar is not only versatile, it’s also jam-packed with health benefits,” Dirisa says.
Here are 7 overall health benefits of this nutrient-rich superfood: