Tuesday, June 30, 2026
Science

What banana-scented kombu means for probiotic foods and seaweed-based drinks

Kombu (Saccharina japonica) is a brown seaweed extensively cultivated and consumed in Japan, Korea and China. Despite its nutritional value, its strong fishy and grassy odor can deter some consumers. Additionally, many of kombu's nutrients are locked inside rigid cell walls and dense networks that t...

What banana-scented kombu means for probiotic foods and seaweed-based drinks
Image: Phys.org
Kombu (Saccharina japonica) is a brown seaweed extensively cultivated and consumed in Japan, Korea and China. Despite its nutritional value, its strong fishy and grassy odor can deter some consumers. Additionally, many of kombu's nutrients are locked inside rigid cell walls and dense networks that the human digestive system cannot easily break down. As a result, much of this treasure trove of nutrients passes through the body without being absorbed.

Originally published at Phys.org

The Morning Briefing

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Be the first to receive the latest news, market analysis and updates — delivered straight to your inbox.