Introducing "KING KUROME," a new food product made with seaweed kurome from Tottori Prefecture!

Background and prospects of food development

In the waters surrounding Japan, approximately 2,000 species of seaweed grow and reproduce over periods of one to several years, benefiting the environment and ecosystems. Only about 100 species of seaweed, such as wakame and kelp, are commercially available as food. Utilizing and adding value to currently underutilized seaweeds has the potential to become a new strategy for the fisheries industry.
Since seaweed is generally recognized by many people as a healthy food, we decided to explore underutilized or underutilized seaweeds growing in Tottori Prefecture that have added value, with the aim of rediscovering the appeal of seaweed and contributing to the local community. As one such example, we arrived at the seaweed *Kurome*. We have been conducting research on *Kurome* at Tottori University and ROHTO Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (presented at the 76th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society of Nutrition and Food Science).
Furthermore, with a shared desire to convey the appeal of kurome seaweed, revitalize the local community, and promote it from a regional perspective, Tottori University, ROHTO Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Ltd., and Hōfukuichi Co., Ltd. took the lead, and with the cooperation of many people, including public organizations in Tottori Prefecture and those involved in the fishing industry, we were able to complete the first food product.
Going forward, we will carefully nurture these products as local specialties originating from Tottori and spread them throughout Japan. Furthermore, with the SDGs in mind, we will utilize local resources and leverage each of our strengths and roles to contribute to society.

About the new product "KING KUROME"

We've created a unique manufacturing process that preserves as much of the kurome's nutrients as possible, resulting in a refreshing taste with a hint of acidity while retaining its crunchy texture. It's delicious not only as a side dish with rice, but also as a condiment for other dishes. We've also taken care to retain some of the liquid, so please mix it well before enjoying it and we hope you'll discover the charm of kurome.

	Product name	KING KUROME
	release date	April 7, 2023
	Contents	125g
	Reference price	800 yen (864 yen including tax)

Regarding the efforts of the three parties so far, we reported to the relevant parties who have cooperated with us on this product, and presented the completed "KING KUROME" as the first deliverable to Tottori University President Hiroaki Nakajima. He tasted it and gave us words of encouragement, expressing his anticipation for future developments.

Photo 2: Scene from the President's briefing session

Seaweed Kurome

It belongs to the kelp family, Laminariaceae, and genus Ecklonia. It has a leaf-like structure that spreads out like wings above a stem-like part. The leaf-like part is wrinkled (see photo 3). Unlike wakame and akamoku, Kurome is a perennial that grows for several years.
They grow in rocky areas of the subtidal zone and average size of 40-50 cm, but can grow up to 1-2 meters. They inhabit the Pacific coast of western Japan, the Seto Inland Sea, and the Sea of Japan.
Kurome contains dietary fiber comparable to wakame, kombu, and mozuku *, and is also rich in minerals. It is particularly high in iron, calcium, and iodine. Furthermore, it contains vitamin C and polyphenols, and its sticky texture makes it enjoyable to eat. (*For nutritional information on wakame, kombu, and mozuku, please refer to the Japanese Food Standard Composition Table 2020 (8th Revised Edition)).

Photo 3: Black seaweed growing wild off the coast of Tottori Prefecture

About Hōfukuichi Co., Ltd.

Founded in 1958 in Kurayoshi, a town in central Tottori Prefecture known for its white-walled storehouses, we manufacture and sell our flagship product, "Healthy Vinegar," as well as tourist souvenirs and various OEM products. We deliver the delicious flavors of Tottori Prefecture's abundant seafood from the Sea of Japan, plentiful agricultural and livestock products, and delicious water, with "safety and security" as our top priority.
https://takarafukuichi.jp

About Tottori University

Tottori University, guided by the fundamental principle of "integrating knowledge and practice," works with local people to address and resolve regional issues, universalizing the knowledge gained in the process and disseminating it widely to the international community. This contributes significantly not only to the advancement of science but also to world peace and welfare. As part of its Tottori University Vision 2030, and its activities as a "local (knowledge) hub university trusted by society and needed by the region," the university established the Research Center for the Utilization of Underutilized Biological Resources in April 2022, with a focus on promoting human health and revitalizing the region.
https://www.tottori-u.ac.jp

About ROHTO Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

Founded in 1899 with the launch of "Ikatsu" (Stomach Health) in response to the prevalence of stomach ailments, a major health issue at the time, the company has since made "health" its core value. While focusing on health and beauty businesses centered on over-the-counter (OTC) pharmaceuticals and skincare, it has expanded beyond functional foods to include primary industries, restaurants, and cutting-edge life science research, venturing into the field of Regenerative medicine. In its food business, the company continues to focus on various social issues, contributing to the "well-being" of not only individual customers but also society as a whole.
https://www.rohto.co.jp/