Nori is dried, pressed edible seaweed, sold in thin sheets, best known as the wrap around a sushi roll. It is toasted, savoury and slightly salty, and turns soft quickly once it meets any moisture.
Nori is made from red algae, pressed into sheets and dried, a process similar to making paper. Most sheets sold for home cooking are already lightly toasted.
How it is used
Full sheets vs shredded nori
Full sheets are for rolling sushi or eating as a snack. Shredded or crumbled nori, sometimes labelled kizami nori, is meant for scattering over food rather than wrapping anything.
Storing it
Keep the pack sealed in a cool, dry cupboard. Nori absorbs moisture from the air fast and goes soft and chewy rather than crisp once opened and left out.
Frequently asked questions
Is nori the same as seaweed snacks?
Roasted seaweed snacks are usually nori, often brushed lightly with oil and salt, so yes, they are closely related, just seasoned for eating straight from the pack.
Why has my nori gone soft?
It has picked up moisture, either from the air after the pack was opened, or from sitting too long once rolled with rice. Reseal it tightly and store somewhere dry.
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- Nori sheets. For sushi rolls and snacking.
