Do you like trying new things, especially when it comes to food? If yes, have you tried sea grapes?
Sea grapes are all the rage these days. They look like green bubbles and are often tried by creators in their ASMR videos.
Sea grapes have a transparent and unique appearance and make a popping sound when chewed. You can find them in almost all Japanese restaurants, and they are known for their distinct flavor.
But what do sea grapes taste like? They taste like salt water and have a texture similar to that of caviar. If you are curious to know more, keep reading for a detailed answer.
Table of Contents
What Are Sea Grapes?
Japanese cuisine is known for its diverse flavors and textures. Food items such as tempura and sushi are products of this fantastic cuisine that can make anyone their fan.
Similarly, sea grapes or Umibudo are popular in Japan and are also loved by people living in the Philippines and Malaysia.
Sea grapes look like tiny grape clusters and are a category of seaweed.
These grapes grow on floored, sandy, and shallow ocean beds. They require a temperature of around 77°F to become transparent balls of goodness.
In most cuisines, sea grapes are consumed in their raw form. But many people also enjoy them with salads, soups, and rice.
If eaten in a balanced quantity, sea grapes can be pretty nutritious. They help strengthen the joints and bones. Besides, they improve the health of your eyes and can also prevent stress and depression.
But before you experience the benefits of sea grapes, you need to know about their taste. Continue reading to find out.
What Do Sea Grapes Taste Like?
Interestingly, sea grapes aren’t your usual type of food. Instead, they have a unique texture and taste.
They have a slightly salty and sweet taste. Moreover, their succulent texture is quite crunchy, meaning they burst with lots of flavor in your mouth and create a sound with every bite. This sound is referred to as “puchi-puchi.”
According to a few people, sea grapes also have an acidic flavor that increases as you chew the bubbles. The saltiness of sea grapes is quite like the flavor of wakame and kombu.
How to Consume Sea Grapes?
Sea Grapes can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. You can eat the stem and leaves of the plant when they are raw. Raw sea grapes are flavorful and have a unique and balanced consistency.
However, before enjoying them raw, ensure to place them in a bowl of cold water so they can expand and bloom in size. You should also rinse them properly to remove any fishy smell and the taste of excess sea water.
If you are not into raw foods, you can add sea grapes to a variety of dishes. These grapes add a much-needed crunch to a dish and also balance its heaviness.
Here are some of the best ways to enjoy the grapes:
- You can serve the sea grapes with a blend of soy sauce, mirin, and vinegar.
- Sea grapes can also be used as a garnish on rice.
- These grapes also taste good on top of a seafood salad.
- If you plan to make Filipino seaweed salad, you can add sea grapes with ingredients such as mangoes, onions, and tomatoes.
- Sea grapes also taste good with sushi.
- You can add the grapes to a cup of warm water and make a refreshing and soothing beverage.
- Sea grapes can also be added to your ice cream, creating a different flavor.
Benefits of Eating Sea Grapes
Sea grapes are not only delicious but are also pretty healthy. For instance, they contain unsaturated fats that help strengthen your memory and eyesight. The fats also assist in reducing cholesterol levels, preventing oxidation, and keeping cardiovascular diseases at bay.
Sea grapes are also suitable for controlling diabetes and hypertension. When consumed in a balanced quality, these grapes reduce blood pressure and maintain sugar levels.
Since sea grapes are rich in potassium, vitamins, and calcium, you experience a smooth flow of blood throughout your body.
Sea grapes contain low levels of sugar and calories. These qualities help the good bacteria to aid faster digestion and prevent constipation. Also, low calories mean you can eat sea grapes to reduce obesity.
It is safe to say that sea grapes are among the most powerful foods and should be a part of your diet.
Final Words
Sea grapes are salty and sweet delicacies with some fantastic benefits. They can be eaten raw or added to other dishes for a complete meal. Besides, since they have a refreshing taste, they can also be added to water to make healthy beverages.
If you haven’t tried sea grapes before, it is about time that you experience their excellent taste and unique texture. Also, let us know how you found them and share your special ways to add them to your daily eating routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, sea grapes usually have a slightly fishy smell that many may not like. To remove the smell, place them in a bowl of cold water for a few minutes and rinse properly. This method removes the dirt on them and eliminates the disturbing smell.
Sea grapes are bubbles that pop in your mouth and release a flavor similar to seawater and algae. When you bite a grape, you get a watery, robust, slimy, and crispy texture in your mouth. It's incredible how you can experience different textures from a single food.
Sea grapes usually become ripe during the fall season, and their color changes from light green to purple. However, if you want to pick sea grapes for harvesting, go for ones with a medium purple shade.
The best way to collect sea grapes is by moving your fingers over them. The ripe grapes easily fall off from their leaves.
Since grapes are rich in unsaturated fats, they help in losing weight. These grapes also accelerate the burning of fat and support healthy digestion.
