Chef: Sea vegetable nori overtakes kale in popularity

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (KABC) -- Kale, king of all greens, has been center stage for a few years, but chef Elana Horwich feels it's time for nori to take it's place.

"We can't point to one food and be like, 'That's the food,'" Horwich said.

That's because more variety in produce means more nutrients; however, she feels nori is a food we should investigate and incorporate in our diet.

Nori, a sea vegetable, is just one of many type of greens found in the ocean, but has become popular as a common wrap for sushi rolls.

It is also a great substitute for starches.

"I'm not Paleo, but I try to stay away from bread, and nori is a really helpful substitute," Horwich said.

Nori is crispy like toast with a bit of a salty taste that Horwich uses for appetizers, sandwiches and salads.

To make a wild salmon nori wrap, lightly dab nori with wasabi, layer smoked salmon and sprinkle sesame seeds. Maybe even tie that up with a chive. It's great open or wrapped up for a party treat.

For a quick sandwich, Horwich uses something called "garlic fluff," which is whipped garlic and flax oil. Add hummus and fresh chopped herbs with thinly sliced cucumber for a cool, crispy crunch wrap.

As a great way to introduce nori to the family table, try snipping or ripping the toasty sheets into your evening salad greens with avocado and homemade dressing.

Calorie wise nori will cost you about ten, so you can eat away without guilt. Plus the health benefits are many.

"There's a lot of iodine in seaweed, which is really important for thyroid function," Horwich said.

Nori falls into the bone and heart health category. It is loaded with B vitamins and magnesium. Depending on how much you consume, you've got a good plant source of protein, iron and fiber.