Grapes of the Sea: Umibudou

Forget about outer space; the ocean is the true final frontier, home to untold treasures, and not the sort that come from shipwrecks or pirates’ plunder. Umibudou, directly translated to the more poetic name of “sea grapes” are one such prize. These oceanic jewels, a rare treat found in the coastal regions of Japan and Southeast Asia, are creating waves across the gastronomic world.

Gem of the Sea: What are Umibudou?

Imagine tiny, translucent strings of delicate green pearls, clustered together like a mini underwater vineyard. Sometimes Romanized as “umibudo” or “umi budo” from the Japanese 海ぶどう, these seaweed spheres, resembling miniature bunches of grapes, earn their name for obvious reasons. Scientifically known as Caulerpa lentillifera, these succulent morsels are not fruits, of course, but a type of green algae belonging to the family Caulerpaceae.

Flavorful Splash: Umibudou’s Unique Taste

Popping a handful of umibudou into your mouth is like tasting the essence of the ocean itself. With a distinctive combination of salty and briny flavors, these sea grapes evoke the sensation of standing at the water’s edge, where the breeze carries a gentle spray of salt water. With hints of umami and a subtly nutty undertone, they’re truly the closest equivalent to plant-based caviar found in nature, or made by humans, for that matter.

Texture to Remember: The Umibudou Experience

While flavor is paramount, the textural experience of umibudou is the most memorable aspect. The first bite surprises with a gentle yet satisfying “pop,” crisp and satisfying, just like tobiko or masago. The outer skin bursts effortlessly, quickly dissolving, leaving behind only the memory of its salty kiss. Think of popping boba, but savory instead of sweet.

Health Benefits from the Deep

Beyond its remarkable taste and culinary appeal, sea grapes offer a plethora of health benefits, making it a nutritional treasure trove from the ocean.

  • Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: They’re notably rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, iron, and iodine, supporting many aspects of overall wellness.
  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Notably, umibudou contains a significant amount of omega-3 fatty acids, especially eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), for better brain health.
  • Antioxidant Properties: Umibudou houses an array of antioxidants that neutralize harmful free radicals in the body. These antioxidants help protect the body’s cells from oxidative stress, which can contribute to various chronic diseases and premature aging.
  • Boosting Gut Health: As with all seaweed, umibudou is a natural source of prebiotic fiber, which serves as food for beneficial gut bacteria.

Umibudou are seen as such a vital source of nutrition, they’re also sold powdered for easily blending into smoothies and shakes. The real advantage here is that the powder can be used for topical applications, like face masks and scrubs, because I can’t imagine sacrificing the experience of eating vegan caviar otherwise.

Culinary Voyage: Umibudou in At Home

In Japan especially, umibudou has long been cherished as a rare delicacy. Recently, chefs and foodies worldwide have begun to embrace umibudou as well, incorporating it into fusion dishes and experimental culinary creations.

What To Make With Umibodou

To best experience all that umibodou has to offer, keep things simple and fresh. Your best bets include:

  • Salads: The simplest and most traditional way to enjoy umibudou is to eat it fresh and raw. Rinse the sea grapes thoroughly in cold water to remove any sand or debris. Once cleaned, they are ready to be served as a refreshing and briny salad ingredient like olives or capers.
  • Sushi: Umibudou adds a touch of elegance to sushi rolls and nigiri like natural plant-based fish roe. Simply place a small cluster of the sea grapes in the center of the rice before rolling your sushi, or on top of gunkan after shaping it. The translucent green beads will create a visually appealing contrast against the sushi rice and other fillings while imparting a burst of flavor with each bite.
  • Pickles: Pickling umibudou is another excellent way to preserve its unique taste. Create a brine using water, rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Add the cleaned sea grapes to the brine and let them soak for a day or two in the refrigerator. The pickled umibudou can then be used as a zesty condiment or enjoyed as a tangy side dish.

Important Tips For Success

Don’t be daunted if this is your first time trying this pearl of the sea! They’re very easy to use and enjoy once you know how.

  • Unless you’re fortunate to live near a very well-stocked Asian market, you’ll typically find dried umibudou sold online. Simply add cold water to cover and let soak for about 5 minutes. They’ll plump right up and be ready to eat.
  • Don’t let the rehydrated umibudou sit out for more than 20 – 30 minutes, as they’ll begin to shrivel and deflate out of water.
  • Always remember to thoroughly clean umibudou before using it in any preparation. Remove any debris, sand, or saltwater residue by rinsing it gently in cold water.
  • As umibudou is naturally briny, it’s advisable to go easy on the salt or omit it entirely when seasoning dishes to avoid overwhelming the overall flavor.

Bringing the Ocean’s Bounty to Your Plate

Whether you’re a seasoned foodie looking to expand your horizons or a daring gourmand eager to try something new, umibudou promises an unforgettable experience. If you like seaweed, caviar, or simply a novel taste to shake up the usual sushi routine, dive into the ocean’s jewelry box try this beautiful treasure on for size.

Ten Out of Ten for Kanten

Instant noodles, sustenance and comfort to eaters of all ages and walks of life across the globe, will always have a place in my heart, not to mention my pantry. There’s more on those shelves than just cheap wheat bricks, though. Innovative, imaginative new takes on the old standby have flourished in ways that Momofuku Ando could have never dreamed back in 1958 when he invented the first entry to the now vast field.

In a world where cauliflower can be rice and sweet potatoes can be toast, why can’t seaweed be noodles? That’s the idea behind OhSo Tasty, pairing flavorful soup bases with quick-cooking kanten.

The term “kanten” is generally interchangeable with agar; the biggest differences are usually regarding the degree of processing. Long story short, it’s a dried, edible seaweed, typically found in Japanese cuisine, especially as a thickening or gelling agent. More than just a gelatin substitute when powdered, the less refined kanten threads can be cooked and eaten like noodles, which is exactly what OhSo Tasty has done. This format is composed of approximately 80% fiber, and has no taste nor odor like the fishier competition, shirataki. Plus, unlike animal-based gelatin, it won’t melt at higher temperatures, so there’s no risk of accidental overcooking.

Sealed in compact cups reminiscent of conventional ramen, these powerhouse packages are a far cry from those gut-busting sodium bombs. Truly instant, you’re just one minute from mealtime after opening the lid. The “new-dles” quickly soften in hot water, becoming tender and springy while retaining a satisfying bite.

As a miso maniac, the Miso Delicious Soup is the flavor that first drew me in. Absolutely packed with goodies, there isn’t a single watery spoonful to be had here. Tons of wakame, scallions, and tofu cubes make a splash in this comforting brew, alongside the headlining kanten noodles. It’s richly flavorful with a wallop of umami, thanks to the crafty addition of shiitake mushroom powder. This enhances the dashi broth much like bonito flakes would in traditional preparations, without resorting to such fishy ingredients. The overall effect is a taste of restaurant-quality miso, without the takeout price tag.

Sizzlin’ Sesame Soup doesn’t mince words, living up to the title with a definite spicy kick! It’s a nice gentle burn that builds with every subsequent sip, rounded out nicely by the warm, nutty broth. A stunning array of vegetables, sweet corn, diced carrots, and verdant spinach, swim freely between the kanten strands.

OhSo Tasty is available in six different flavors all told, five of which are vegan: Flamin’ Tomato Soup, Miso Delicious Soup, Sizzlin’ Sesame Soup, Soy Satisfying, and VaVa Veggie Soup. Available online for nationwide shipping, there’s never been a better time, or way, to stock your pantry with oodles of healthy noodles.

This review was made possible as a collaboration with OhSo Tasty. My opinions can not be bought and all content is original. This page may contain affiliate links; thank you for supporting my blog!