Bio-Porphyra
Porphyra is the genus of the “foliaceous red algae”, the different varieties of which are known under the collective term nori. They owe their name to their red-violet color pigments, but they can also vary from dark green to black. Nori belongs to the group of macroalgae, they thrive in seawater and are therefore also referred to as sea algae. Sea algae can be found in almost every ocean and are increasingly valued as a nutrient-dense food. The “plant-like” algae are not so popular in Europe, but in Asia, in the coastal regions of North and South America, and in the former Soviet Union, “vegetables from the sea” hold a permanent spot on the menu. Porphyra has been valued for more than 1,000 years, particularly in Japan, where around 300,000 tons of algae are now sold every year. In the early 17th century, Tokyo was the focal point of nori production. A nori museum was even opened in Japan in 2008.
Where does our organic nori seaweed come from?
The nori for the BERTRAND meal replacement drinks comes from the coastal areas of the Pacific Northwest. This refers to the northwestern areas of North America, a very sunny region. Here the algae are grown in maritime aquaculture. Porphyra is characterized by the fact that it can also thrive at the deepest levels of the ocean. There are organic standards for the cultivation of algae. Our suppliers comply with EU standards that are set out in “Regulation 889/2008 regarding the ecological production of algae”. Aquaculture and seaweed facility operators are obliged, inter alia, to only use nutrients that occur naturally in the water or come from organic production. It needs to be ensured that algae stocks can adequately renew themselves and that harvesting areas are not damaged. Fertilizers, medicines, and pesticides are prohibited. Precise documentation regarding this is to be kept on file.
The nori for the BERTRAND drinking meals come from the coastal areas of the Pacific Northwest. This refers to the areas in northwestern North America
1 of 1How is nori seaweed powder made?
Porphyra, i.e. nori, is best known in this country as a dried, paper-thin square that serves as a wrap for sushi. In Asia, the leaves also act as a wrap for meat and vegetables. In fact, in Asian and Japanese stores, there are very different nori products on offer: Yaki-Nori (platters for sushi), Kizami-Nori (strips for salads), Ajitsuke-Nori (for nibbling), or Ao-Nori (powder as Seasoning). For the BERTRAND meal replacement drinks, nori in powder form is needed. Breeding and further processing is a relatively complex process.
But why Porphyra?
Porphyra is a red alga with high nutritional content. It is particularly rich in minerals, especially iron, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus, selenium, and zinc. In terms of vitamins, it is high in vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, folic acid, and B vitamins.
Nori is also rich in high-quality, easily digestible protein. If you want to avoid animal protein sources, you will find Nori is a good vegetable protein source. Our vegan BERTRAND meal replacement drink also has these benefits. The high fiber content of Porphyra and its polyunsaturated fatty acid content (omega-3 and omega-6) is not to be dismissed. With only 35 kilocalories per 100 grams, the algae are very low in calories. When it comes to nori, two topics are of particular interest:
Nori and iodine
Red algae have a much lower iodine content than, for example, brown algae (most brown algae are known as "tang"). So nori also has a rather moderate iodine content, meaning people who are sensitive to iodine can generally cope well with it. Our supplier checks the iodine content. The proportion of nori in the BERTRAND meal replacement drink is so low that a high amount of iodine is highly unlikely. However, the algae contribute to a supply of the vital trace element.
Nori and Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is mainly found in animal foods. It is therefore a “critical nutrient” for vegans. Numerous studies investigate the cobalamin content of nori algae. Older studies found that nori could contain real vitamin B12 in a biologically effective form. However, more recent measurement and investigation methods have shown that the B12 content in nori is less than previously reported and should be corrected. According to the current state of knowledge, vegans should not rely on nori as the main source of B12 supply. Due to the numerous vitamins, minerals, and proteins, nori is a good contributor to a healthy diet, for non-vegans also of course.
Taste?
Sea vegetables do make a great case for themselves in terms of taste. Nori tastes slightly sweet, spicy, and hearty. In Asia, it is called “umami”, which means the fifth flavor in addition to sweet, sour, bitter, and salty. Because of this special and very intense aroma, shredded nori leaves are used as a condiment in Asia. In our Bertrand products also, the good, balanced taste is enhanced by the Porphyra ingredient.
- Image of kelp at top of page: divedog via Shutterstock
- Map of North America: MisterEmil via Shutterstock
- Post image, nori on white background: NIPAPORN PANYACHAROEN via Shutterstock
