Kombu Ame: Classic Japanese Kelp Seaweed Candy
Kombu, also known as kelp, is an edible seaweed commonly used to make soup stock or dashi in Japan, which makes up an indispensable part of Japanese cuisine.
Not only do we prepare kombu as an ingredient for dishes, but in Japan, even snacks and candies use it.
Among those treats, Nakano Miyako Kombu is a quintessential snack, while when I think of sweets using kombu, what comes to mind right away is Kombu Ame (こんぶ飴).
Kombu Ame (こんぶ飴)
As its name indicates, the main ingredient of Kombu Ame is seaweed kelp, and here, the latter Japanese word Ame (飴) refers to a candy.
Kombu Ame is a kelp seaweed candy typically shaped like a cube, which has been a favorite in Japan for a long time.
With a gentle sweetness and a soft, chewy texture similar to caramel cubes, the Japanese treat features its blackish appearance and natural umami taste from the main ingredient, kombu.
Ingredients/Nutrition Facts
Lastly, for your information, here are the nutrition facts and the specific ingredients used in the kelp seaweed candy from Natori (なとり).
| Starch syrup, Sugar, Kombu/kelp, Starch, Brown sugar, Rice flour, Salt, Vegetable oil, Sorbitol, Modified starch, Emulsifier (Partially including Soybean) |
Nutritional Values
| Calories | 333 kcal |
| Protein | 0.4 g |
| Fat | 1.1 g |
| Carbohydrates | 80.3 g |
| Sodium | 579 mg |
| Dietary fiber | 2.2 g |
