Extra Premium Toasted Sushi Nori – 50 sheets (21×19 cm)

Description

This isn't just any nori—it's one of the most exclusive qualities Japanese nori that can be found there. This Extra Premium Roasted Sushi Nori from Mikuniya is one of the rare quality class Jū (重) and comes from Saragaki, in the Japanese prefecture Fukuoka. An area on the Ariake Sea known for its exceptionally high-quality seaweed and the craftsmanship from his Noritelers.

The Ariake Sea is considered one of the best areas in the world for growing high-quality nori. Several rivers flow through this area water rich in minerals and nutrients which creates ideal conditions for seaweed growth. Saragaki, in particular, enjoys a special reputation: the nori from this area is highly sought after and fetches high prices at Japanese auctions. The Jū quality grade is exceptionally rare, even within this exclusive selection.

What makes this nori so special is the combination of an intense, deep green color, beautiful luster, full-bodied texture, and an exceptionally refined flavor. The sheets are sturdy and beautifully shaped, with a texture reminiscent of traditional Japanese washi-paper. At the same time, they are surprisingly delicate: As soon as you eat the nori, it practically melts on your tongue.

Production 

Producing nori of this quality requires a great deal of knowledge, patience, and precision. Cultivation begins with raising seaweed spores, after which the young seaweed attaches itself to special nets in the sea. Once it has grown enough, it is harvested, ground, shaped into thin sheets, and dried. This traditional method was originally inspired by the Japanese paper production.

After harvesting, the nori undergoes a rigorous quality assessment. At specialized auctions, Mikuniya selects only seaweed that meets the highest standards for color, aroma, texture, and flavor. The sheets are then roasted slowly and carefully at a low temperature, so that their delicate aromas and unique properties are preserved as much as possible.

The result is an exceptional luxury nori, developed for those who settle for nothing less than the very best quality. A product that even under professional Japanese sushi chefs is highly valued.

Flavor Profile

This premium nori has a rich, refined umami flavor, with a subtle natural sweetness and a pleasant toasted aroma. The flavor is full-bodied and distinct, yet at the same time elegant and beautifully balanced.

Careful roasting brings out the warm, toasty notes beautifully, while preserving the characteristic aroma of the sea. Especially when the nori comes into contact with hot rice, these aromas are clearly released.

The texture also makes this nori special. The sheets have a robust, full-bodied texture, but at the same time they are delicate and melt pleasantly in the mouth. It is precisely this combination of taste, aroma, and texture that sets exceptional nori apart from ordinary sushi nori.

Application

This Extra Premium Nori really shines in dishes where the quality of the seaweed is the main focus. Think, of course, of sushi, but also to simple Japanese dishes that combine just a few high-quality ingredients.

• Maki and futomaki: Perfect for classic sushi rolls, where the rich umami flavor and toasted aroma of the nori pair beautifully with sushi rice and fresh ingredients.
• Temaki: Use the sheets to make hand-rolled sushi in a cone shape. It's a delicious way to experience the delicate texture and unique flavor of nori.
• Onigiri: Wrap the nori around Japanese rice balls, which can be filled with umeboshi, salmon, or other flavorings. The toasted aroma really comes through, especially when the rice is still warm.
• Gunkan maki: Use strips of nori to shape small rice bites that you can fill with, for example, fish roe, vegetables, or other gourmet toppings.
• Rice dishes and donburi: Cut or tear the nori into thin strips and use them as a flavorful garnish on top of rice bowls.
• Soba, udon, and ramen: Add finely chopped nori as a topping for extra umami and a subtle toasted aroma.
• As a snack on its own: Enjoy a piece of nori on its own, without any added ingredients, so you can fully appreciate its exceptional quality and refined flavor.

Nori is also naturally a nutritious ingredient. It contains, among other things, dietary fiber, protein, various vitamins, and minerals such as iron, calcium, and iodine. Nori also naturally contains various amino acids that contribute to its characteristic umami flavor. As a result, it is not only a delicious seasoning but also a valuable addition to a varied diet.

Storage tip: Nori easily absorbs moisture, which can cause it to lose its crispness and toasted aroma. Therefore, after opening, store the sheets in a tightly sealed container with as little air as possible inside the package, in a cool, dry place. For longer storage, you can also keep the nori in the refrigerator or freezer. In that case, let the package come to room temperature before opening it to prevent condensation from forming.

Producer

Mikuniya is a renowned Japanese nori specialist from Hiroshima, with a history dating back nearly a century. The company was founded by Yoshihito Mimura and builds on a long tradition of seaweed cultivation and processing in the Hiroshima region, where nori has been an important product since the Edo period.

Mikuniya is fully dedicated to the selection and processing of Japanese nori of the very highest quality. During the harvest season, from November through March, the company attends more than twenty specialized nori auctions in Japan each year. There, hundreds of lots are carefully evaluated based on criteria such as color, luster, aroma, flavor, and texture.

Mikuniya is one of a select group of companies that has access to these exclusive auctions and selects only nori that meets its strict quality standards. The Ariake Sea is one of the most important sources of nori, thanks to its exceptionally favorable conditions for the growth of high-quality seaweed.

After selection, the nori is processed at the company's own factory in Akiota, Hiroshima. This is where the seaweed is added Store at -20 °C to preserve freshness, after which experienced artisans carefully roast each variety in a way that suits the specific characteristics of the seaweed. Immediately after roasting, the sheets are packaged to best preserve their delicate aroma. 

Mikuniya's commitment to quality has earned it a distinguished reputation in the Japanese culinary world. The company supplies approximately 1,000 sushi bars and Japanese restaurants in Japan, as well as hundreds of restaurants abroad, including leading sushi restaurants in Europe.