Community Forum

Hedophyllum dentigerum (formerly Saccharina dentigera) (P)

The native California Kombu may be used interchangeably with the Japanese variety as a healthy and flavorful addition to soup stocks, vegetable dishes, pickles and condiments. Don’t forget that of the entire marine alga, Kombu isolates heavy metals and radioactive substances in the body for elimination and contains the amino acid Laminin, which effectively combats hypertension and high blood pressure. It is also a rich source of protein and B vitamins. At low tide, the arching stems of the rich brown Kombu plants hover above the water’s edge, the flat shiny blades immersing themselves in the swirling currents. Each blade is trimmed 5–8 cm above the stipe to ensure. the continued growth of Kombu, and then individually hung to be sun-dried in the redwood hills. Indispensable in soups and beans also makes tasty pickles and nutritious condiments.