Nori is dried, pressed seaweed sold in thin sheets. Most people know it as the wrapper around sushi rolls, but it also works as a garnish, a snack and a topping for rice.
Where to find it
Most large supermarkets stock sushi nori in the world food section, often near the rice. Japanese grocers carry a wider choice, including sheets for snacks.
What to check on the packet
Look for the words sushi nori or roasted seaweed. Check the number of sheets, since a pack of ten can be a good value. Pick a packet that is sealed, since moisture softens the sheets quickly.
How to use it
Warm a sheet over a gas flame for a few seconds to make it crisp, then wrap it around sushi rice. Cut sheets into strips for ramen or soup garnish. Crumble them over rice or noodles.
Storage
Keep the packet sealed, with a small pack of silica gel if it came with one. Once open, use the sheets within a few weeks. Sheets that have gone soft can be re crisped in a dry pan on low heat.
For a sushi dish that uses it, read our nori guide for more detail, and for seasoned rice, see our best sushi rice brands. For a savoury topping, try our furikake guide.