Wakame seaweed is rich in iodine and calcium, and is also a good source of minerals such as iron.

Fresh wakame seaweed is available during spring but salted and dried varieties of wakame seaweed are most common. Mekabu seaweed is also a type of wakame seaweed. Select wakame seaweed that has deep color, store salted varieties in a refrigerator and dried varieties in a place with low humidity.

Wakame seaweed can be used in soups, salads and simmered dishes.