Kombu. A form of edible kelp, kombu is widely eaten in East Asia. It is sold dried or pickled in vinegar (most often as wide or square strips) and is most commonly known as one of the three main ingredients in the Japanese soup stock dashi.

Can you harvest kelp in California?

Recreational harvest of marine algae for personal use is permitted in California. Those harvesting for personal use must abide by regulations governing the recreational harvest.

Can you eat all kelp?

Most of the hollow stalks and air bladders of the brown algae can be eaten raw or pickled. I’ve tried the following recipe with the air bladders of the Pacific Coast kelp, and found it delicious!