nori
Nori refers to the thin, dried sheets of edible seaweed commonly used in Japanese cuisine, particularly for wrapping sushi rolls or rice balls (onigiri). The mental image is a dark green, crisp, and slightly translucent paper-like sheet that smells faintly of the ocean. It is a staple ingredient in Japanese kitchens and is widely recognized globally. You will often see it sold in packs, either as large sheets for rolling or as small, seasoned strips intended for snacking. It is considered a pantry essential for anyone making homemade Asian-inspired dishes.
In conversation
Making lunch
Do we have enough nori for these rolls?
Do we have enough nori for these rolls?
I think there's half a pack in the cupboard, let me check.
I think there's half a pack in the cupboard, let me check.
Nori is frequently discussed when preparing homemade sushi.
Grocery shopping
Can you grab some nori from the Asian aisle?
Can you grab some nori from the Asian aisle?
The seasoned kind or the plain one?
The seasoned kind or the plain one?
Distinguishing between seasoned snack seaweed and plain sheets for cooking is a common shopping interaction.
Examples
Wrap the rice in a sheet of nori.
Wrap the rice in a sheet of nori.
The nori lost its crunch because the bag was left open.
The nori lost its crunch because the bag was left open.
High-quality nori should have a deep, dark color and a distinct umami fragrance.
High-quality nori should have a deep, dark color and a distinct umami fragrance.
