Hair Seaweed
* Calorie value is measured per serving weight shown
Nutrition (per 100g)
Common Serving Sizes
How long to burn 246 kcal
Approximate exercise time to burn the 246 kcal in each 100g:
About Hair Seaweed
Dried hair-like cyanobacterium; protein among the highest of seaweed, an auspicious New Year food.
Health Benefits of Hair Seaweed
Protein higher than most seaweed
Dried fat choy (发菜) has ~20.2g protein per 100g - one of the most protein-dense edible seaweeds after laver. Its amino-acid profile is fairly balanced and complements grains. Thin, flexible, soaked and used in soup, braises or cold dishes - prized in Guangdong/HK New Year spreads because 'fat choi' sounds like 'getting rich'.
Sourcing and eating notes
Wild fat choy grows in the arid grasslands of northwest China; overharvesting damaged the ecology, so it's now a protected species in China. Market supplies are mainly farmed or a marine substitute. Soak 10-15 min in cold water to restore it; avoid long cooking that turns it mushy.