Can you still eat the seaweed when it turns purple?

Mondo Health Updated on 2024-01-30

The seaweed turns purple, which is a natural phenomenon and there is no need to make a fuss. It turns out that nori contains a pigment called phycoerythrin, which gradually accumulates during the growth of seaweed, just like the grape seeds in grapes gradually ripen. Over time, the amount of phycoerythrin in nori becomes higher and higher, causing it to gradually darken in color, eventually taking on the purple color we see.

It is important to emphasize that the fact that the nori turns purple does not mean that it has gone bad or is unsafe. On the contrary, the change in color is mainly due to the accumulation of phycoerythrin, which is a natural growth process. As long as the seaweed does not have problems such as peculiar smell and mold, we can eat it with confidence.

Of course, if the color of nori becomes too dark, it may affect its taste and nutritional value. In this case, we recommend a simple check before consuming it. Just sniff it with your nose and if it smells, don't eat it. Conversely, if nori still smells fresh, then it is still safe and delicious.

In short, in the face of the change in the color of the seaweed, we do not need to worry too much. As long as we understand it with a scientific and rational attitude, we can easily enjoy the delicious seaweed.

Related Pages