Undaria

A brown-seaweed genus that colonizes both natural and man-made surfaces along coasts in many parts of the world. The most important species commercially is Undaria pinnatifida, cultured on a large scale in parts of Asia — particularly Japan — where it is known as wakame (also spelled wakami). Wakame is used in soups such as miso soup, salads, and as a toasted, sugar-coated, or canned product. It provides iodine, calcium, magnesium, fucoxanthin, and soluble fibre (alginates). Harvesting waters must be monitored for contaminants, and drying must be rapid and hygienic to preserve colour, texture, and nutritional value in this globally traded seaweed.