Homemade Sea Treats

I’ve recently become addicted to those commercial seaweed snacks you can purchase at your local health food store. They’re salty, crunchy and strangely satisfying. I could eat them everyday if it weren’t for all the packaging that’s being wasted with each purchase (not to mention the cost).

Nori and seaweed snacks are made from red algae, an excellent source of iodine (essential for proper thyroid function) as well as other important micronutrients like calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, iron, zinc, copper, sulphur and selenium.  They are deliciously micronutrient-dense.  But many commercial seaweed snacks are produced with polyunsaturated oils that are not ideal for heating or consuming for that matter (most commonly canola, canola blends and sunflower). Even the one at my local health food store made with sesame oil is blended with canola.  Cost effective for the company?  Possibly.  Unhealthy and ready to unleash oxidized fats into your system? Most definitely!

Making your own gives you control over what fats you consume, as well as reducing the amount of waste from excess packaging.

Homemade Sea Treats

Preheat oven to 250 F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Ingredients

• 3 Nori sheets (or as many as you desire)
• 1 tsp coconut oil
• 1/2 tsp sesame oil
• sea salt
• onion powder (optional)

Instructions

• Divide nori sheet into 6 portions using scissors or a sharp knife
• Combine the oils and brush the nori (single side)
• Place on the parchment lined baking sheet and sprinkle lightly with sea salt and optionally onion powder (if you desire a flavoured sea treat)
• Place in the oven for 15 – 20 minutes
• Enjoy!

If you enjoy the ones with a bit of a kick, lightly sprinkle some cayenne or cajun spicing! The spicing possibilities are endless!  These are delicious and a perfect treat for you and your family!

Resources:
Mateljan, G. (2007). The World’s Healthiest Foods: Essential Guide for the Healthiest Way of Eating (1st Edition ed.). GMF Publishing.