Cladosiphon okamuranus (mozuku) is a type of
edible seaweed in the genus Cladosiphon
Seaweed Born in Okinawa:
Native Okinawan seaweeds include Mozuku (a stringy, crunchy
seaweed), Asa (very fine, transparent sea plants), Moi (thorny sea
tangle) and sea grape.
Mozuku, affectionately known as Sunui, is generally eaten with a
vinegar dip. Spring is the Mozuku season, and if you go to the
seashore in spring you will likely see virtually the entire
population of women and children in seaside communities harvesting
Mozuku. Currently, Mozuku cultivation technology has progressed to
the point where Okinawa now produces 90% of the thicker Mozuku
consumed in Japan.
Mozuku is now in the spotlight due to its high pharmacological
potential. Mozuku vinegar dip kills E.coli bacteria, which
can cause severe intestinal illness, and it has also been found to
have anti-cancer properties. Various products to develop
this potential are now being developed.
Asa and Moi are dried and then soaked in water before using. Asa is
used in soups. Moi is soaked and then hardened into a vegetable
gelatin over a fire. Various things are then added to it and it is
used with stock in stews and chowders. Sea grape is pickled in salt
and then soaked in water for use. It is delicious eaten with
vinegar soy sauce. The popping sensation when the little grains, or
grapes, are chewed is very popular.
