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 use kombu as an ingredient in dishes, but in Japan, even snacks and candies made of it can be seen.
Among them, Nakano Miyako Kombu is a quintessential snack using kelp, while when I think of sweets using kombu, what comes to my 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 the seaweed kelp, and the latter Japanese word “Ame (飴)” here refers to a candy.
Kombu Ame is a kelp seaweed candy that has long been loved in Japan and typically shaped like a cube.
With a gentle sweetness and soft chewy texture similar to caramel cubes, the Japanese treat features its blackish color and natural umami taste that come from the main ingredient kombu.
Ingredients
As for the specific ingredients, based on the list on the back of the package, Kombu Ame mainly consists of kombu, starch, and rice powder, and is sweetened with sugar, starch syrup, and brown sugar.
Conclusion
Seaweed candy is quite unique to Japan, so it might be unappetizing to you. But Kombu Ame is really easy to eat with natural umami and gentle sweetness, so let’s give it a try if you have a chance.
