Black seaweed, Cusburo, Elulluchcha, Kocha-yuya, Star jelly, Fairies' butter, Fat choy, Ishi-kurage
Nostoc commune
Family: Nostocaceae
What it is like
A freshwater blue-green algae. A seaweed.
Where it is found
In Yunnan.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Australia, Bolivia, Chile, China, Ecuador, India, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, Mongolia, North America, Peru, SE Asia, South America
How it is used for food
It is eaten raw, dried, stir-fried, or used in sweet soups or with sugared vinegar. It is made into jelly which is then eaten or used as a thickener for other foods.
It is available in dried form in Chinese markets.
Edible parts
Algae, seaweed
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Baqi, Didacai, Diruanzi