Does seaweed go bad?
In this brief guide, we will answer the question “Does seaweed go bad?” and discuss ways to properly store seaweed. We will also discuss whether you can freeze seaweed or not. We will also discuss ways in which you can tell if nori has gone bad and discuss how to fix moist nori.
Does seaweed go bad?
No, dried seaweed does not go bad because it has all of its moisture removed so it can not grow mold or bacteria on it. However, it may lose its taste over time but it will most likely remain safe to eat.
Seaweed usually comes with a best before date label on its packaging. If you do see this label, then it simply means the amount of time seaweed will stay in its best quality and retain its flavor and freshness. After this time, the seaweed will be safe to eat when stored properly however it may not have the same taste and freshness.
Fresh seaweed lasts for about 3-4 days in the fridge after which it starts to go bad and loses its texture.
How to store seaweed?
Dried seaweed can be kept in a cool, dry place in the pantry in its original packaging when unopened. Once opened, you should seal the packaging back again. Dried seaweed should not be exposed to moisture as it can absorb it and lose its texture.
So, if it did not come in a resealable packaging, then transfer it to an airtight container or a ziplock bag then place it in the pantry. You can also use silica gel to absorb excess moisture from around it.
You should not refrigerate dried seaweed. This is because there is a lot of humidity inside the fridge so this will lead to textural changes in the seaweed and may also make it prone to mold. If you do choose to put it inside the fridge, make sure it is placed inside a ziplock bag or an airtight container so that no moisture comes in contact with it.
Can you freeze seaweed?
Yes, you can freeze seaweed but it is very unnecessary since seaweed is a shelf stable product and already has a long shelf life. However, if you still want to freeze seaweed, you can. You should place it in a freezer safe bag before putting it inside the freezer.
How to tell if seaweed has gone bad?
You can tell if nori (seaweed) has gone bad by looking at its color. If you see any discolorations, it probably has gone bad. It should be greenish-black in color.
If nori gets wet or absorbs moisture, then it can get soggy, mushy or even sticky. You can not use this kind of seaweed so you should throw it away.
Next, wet seaweed is also prone to mold so if you see any moldy spots on it, then toss it out at once since you can not eat it.
If you notice a bad odor, or an off smell then it is a sign that it has gone bad.
If all else looks fine, then taste some of it and see if it tastes fine. Most often, old seaweed will be okay to eat except it may lack some flavor.
Learn more about storing nori properly here.
How to fix moist nori?
Now that we have established that nori can absorb moisture rather quickly when stored improperly, let’s discuss how to fix this when it happens. Since you can not use moist nori for making sushi, you will have to make it crisp again.
To do this, lay down a single layer of nori flat on a baking sheet and place it in a preheated oven. Heat it until it becomes crisp again. Then take it out and let it cool down to room temperature before using it.
Other FAQs about Seaweed that you may be interested in.
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we answered the question “Does seaweed go bad?” and discussed ways to properly store seaweed. We also discussed whether you can freeze seaweed or not. We also discussed ways in which you can tell if nori has gone bad and discussed how to fix moist nori.
Citations
http://www.eatbydate.com/vegetables/fresh-vegetables/how-long-does-nori-last-shelf-life/
