Konbu the answer

Yesterday’s little mystery was, of course, long leaves of konbu kelp drying in the sun.  Small boats head out from the shore with one or a few old men and a rake or plow like tool.  They drag up the plants up from the ocean floor and when they are loaded they head back in.  When they arrive a small group of (usually) old women drag out the plants, separate the leaves and spread them out to dry in the sun and wind.  After a while the slimy fat leaves end up as you would find them in the shop – thin, dry and rigid.  When I see all of the work involved I  really appreciate the food that I eat more.  Especially when it is hard physical work in a difficult environment.  Konbu is such a simple ingredient but there is so much involved in getting it into my kitchen.