Sanpuku Nori has done one thing for over 50 years: select, process, and sell the best nori from the Ariake Sea. They are not a general seaweed company — they are nori specialists, and the quality of their product reflects that focus.

The process begins with selection. Sanpuku sources its nori from cultivators on the Ariake Sea in Saga Prefecture and then grades it rigorously for aroma, flavour, and eating quality. Only the top grades make the cut. The selected seaweed is dried and frozen to preserve its character, then roasted under precise conditions by Sanpuku's craftsmen — a stage that demands particular care, since nori is fragile and its flavour can deteriorate quickly if mishandled.

The result is a nori sheet with an intense, iodised flavour, a deep colour, and a crispness that is immediately noticeable when you handle it. These are full-size sheets — the format used for maki sushi rolls and for wrapping large onigiri. At £25 for 10 sheets, this is a premium product priced accordingly, and the difference from commodity nori is stark.

Nori from the Ariake Sea is considered the finest in Japan. The bay's extreme tidal range, shallow waters, and heavy nutrient flow from surrounding rivers create ideal growing conditions. The nori absorbs nutrients readily, developing a high concentration of amino acids that gives Ariake nori its characteristic intensity and melt-in-the-mouth quality.

Producer: Sanpuku Nori, Saga Prefecture, Japan. Nori specialists since 1971, sourcing exclusively from the Ariake Sea.

Ingredients: Dried nori seaweed (Porphyra yezoensis)

Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from moisture and direct sunlight. Reseal the packet tightly after opening. Nori absorbs moisture from the air very quickly — if sheets go soft, pass briefly over an open flame or hot hob to re-crisp.

Net: 10 full sheets

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Sanpuku Non-Roasted Nori Sheets