In Japan, Aonori is commonly known as the trademark seasoning for okonomiyaki and is a beloved flavor for chips, adding a fresh green color and unique depth simply by sprinkling it on dishes. This Aonori comes from various species, such as Suji-Aonori, Aosa, or Hitoegusa, each with distinct characteristics. As we explore in this article, Suji-Aonori stands out for several special qualities, including its rarity, exceptional aroma, and nutritional value.

• Rich in Iron, Calcium, and Vitamin A and B12. "Just 1g of Suji Aonori offers more iron than a serving of spinach".
• Umami-rich & Healthy: High in glutamic acid—an essential umami compound, Suji Aonori is a flavorful, healthy ingredient. It enhances savory taste and satiety, while helping you cut back on salt. 
• King of Aroma: SEA VEGETABLE: Suji-Aonori contains 3.82 times higher concentration of aromatic compounds than other common aonori like Aosa or Hitoegusa.

To learn more about how to incorporate Suji-Aonori in your dish, read the interview with Chef Shui Ishizaka: Read the article.

1．Nutritional Powerhouse: Rich in Iron, Calcium, and Vitamins

Seaweed, often referred to as the vegetable of the sea, is a nutrient-dense food. Suji-Aonori stands out with its impressive nutritional profile, providing an easy way to boost nutrition intake in your diet.

◉Iron Content:

Suji Aonori contains a staggering 77 mg of iron per 100g, far surpassing Aosa (5.3 mg) and Hitoegusa (3.4 mg).

◉Just 1g of Suji Aonori offers more iron than a serving of spinach, making it a convenient iron supplement.

Just 1 g of sugi aonori contains 0.8 mg of iron, more than the 0.63 mg found in a small dish (70 g) of boiled spinach.

*²Standard Tables of Food Composition in Japan 2023

Recipe for Suji-Aonori Toast

◉Calcium Content:

With 750 mg of calcium per 100g, Suji Aonori offers 6.8 times more calcium than milk, addressing the common calcium deficiency in many diets.

Iron and calcium are essential nutrients that are important for maintaining good health, yet many people may not get enough of them. Iron deficiency can lead to anemia, which may develop without noticeable symptoms in its early stages. Getting enough iron through a balanced diet can help support overall health.

It is said that 1 in 5 adult women suffers from iron deficiency. Growing children, teenagers, pregnant women, and the elderly may also be at greater risk of anemia. Additionally, athletes can experience anemia due to intense physical activity, highlighting the importance of iron intake for all age groups.

The recommended daily calcium intake for adults is set at 1,000 to 1,200 mg. However, the average calcium intake is estimated to be half of the recommended amount, indicating a significant shortfall. Given this deficiency, it's essential to consciously include calcium-rich foods in your diet.

*Source: NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, Calcium Fact Sheet for Health Professionals

◉Vitamin Content:

Suji-Aonori is rich in essential vitamins like Vitamin A and B12, providing significantly higher amounts than other species of Aonori.

 
（Left）Suji-Aonori Potage Soup   （Right）Suji-Aonori Potato Salad

2．Rich in Umami Compounds for Flavor Enhancement

Sea vegetables are abundant in glutamic acid, a savory umami compound that plays a crucial role alongside sweetness, sourness, saltiness, and bitterness in enhancing the deliciousness of dishes. Scientifically, replacing some salt with umami can reduce sodium content without sacrificing taste. Studies also suggest that glutamic acid-rich sea vegetables contribute to both tastiness and healthiness, aiding in reducing appetite and enhancing satiety.

Suji aonori, with its rich glutamic acid content, is a prime example of a flavorful and healthy ingredient suitable for low-sodium cooking.

◉Enhancing Umami: Synergistic Effects

Umami components include not only glutamic acid but also inosinic acid and guanylic acid. Combining glutamic acid with these other umami compounds creates a synergistic umami effect, significantly intensifying the savory taste experience.

Inosinic acid is prevalent in foods like fish and meat, One of the richest sources of inosinic acid is bonito flakes, renowned for their umami-boosting qualities. 

Perfect umami harmony, of suji aonori and bonito flakes, we created SEA VEGTABLE: Suji Aonori Furikake Seasoning. Pairs perfectly with freshly cooked rice.

Additionally, guanylic acid is abundant in dried shiitake mushrooms, which increase in umami intensity when cooked. For a simple yet flavorful dish, try topping grilled shiitake mushrooms with Suji-Aonori—guaranteed to delight your taste buds with its rich umami goodness.

3．Suji-Aonori: The King of Aroma

The aroma in food significantly enhances the dining experience. Suji-Aonori, compared to other species of Aonori, has a stronger scent up to 3.82 times, making it the king of aroma in the seaweed world. This superior aroma elevates the quality of any dish it is added to, favored by top chefs for its unique fragrance.

Comparative studies have shown that Suji-Aonori contains 3.82 times higher concentration of aromatic compounds than Aosa or Hitoegusa.

This makes Suji-Aonori an excellent choice for adding a luxurious scent to your culinary creations.

To dive deeper, read article on 10 Facts about SEA VEGETABLE: Suji Aonori 

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