You’re a big sushi fan and decided to buy a bunch of nori.
However, you have some leftovers and know you’re concerned about its shelf-life. You’re probably asking yourself:
Has my nori gone bad? How long does it last?
Here’s what you need to know about nori. Nori has a long shelf-life and can last 2-3 years past its best-by date.
How To Tell If Nori Has Gone Bad
Firstly, if any moisture gets to the dried seaweed, it will get moldy. If that happens, make sure to discard it. Do the same thing if the color has changed to a yellowish or brownish hue. Lastly, if the sheets start breaking into loose bits, throw them out.
If everything looks good, try it out. If you don’t like the flavor, discard it to maintain quality.
How To Store Nori
Nori should be stored at room temperature. Due to its dryness, it does not need to be refrigerated. The pantry is the ideal spot.
Generally, the original packaging does all the work to provide enough protection. Once it’s been opened, transfer it to an airtight container or resealable bag.
If you’re using a bag, remember to remove as much air from it to ensure it takes up little space.
Keep it in the fridge if you’re looking to store it for even longer when it’s open. But make sure the sheets are protected from humidity. That means storing it in an airtight container or freezer bag.
Can You Freeze Nori?
Nori can be frozen, although it generally doesn’t need to be since the shelf-life is quite long. The rules to follow are simple.
Place your nori in a freezer bag to protect it from moisture and cold air. Remember to squeeze as much air out of it before sealing the bag. Then put the bag into the freezer.
How Long Does Nori Last?
Nori comes with a best-by date on the label, which indicates how long it will last. Of course, nori can be safe to consume after the best-by date, but it will lose its quality over time.
Unopened or opened nori can last 2-3 years past the best-by date, provided they are stored well and protected from moisture.
Health Benefits Of Nori
Since nori is dried seaweed, the many health benefits of seaweed apply to nori. Seaweed contains iodine and tyrosine, which support thyroid function. The thyroid helps to control growth, energy production, reproduction, and the repair of damaged cells in the body.
Seaweed contains a variety of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. A further benefit is that it can help you lose weight by delaying hunger and reducing weight. Plus, it can support your gut health with fiber and polysaccharides.
The Verdict
The process of making nori is similar to paper-making. Seaweed is washed, cut into small pieces, and then the pieces are mixed with water and poured onto mats to create sheets. The sheets are then dried and possibly toasted.
Nori has a pretty long shelf-life that can be lengthened by proper storage practice and protection from moisture. Always store your nori in an airtight container or a resealable bag with as much air removed as possible.
