These precooked and dried pieces of the sea vegetable Wakame make a delicious healthy addition to soups salads and grains. Hailing from Japan it is the third most popular sea vegetable in that country. Wakame is an excellent source of calcium iron iodione and niacin and contains trace minerals and vitamin C.
Wasabi (Japanese Horseradish)
A root with brownishgreen skin and pale green flesh belonging to the cabbage family. This highly pungent root is not related to Western horseradish although the two are often compared. Wasabi is both an appetite stimulant and a digestive aid a popular accompaniment to raw fish and fried foods. In the U.S. it is sold in powdered and paste forms.
Whole Wheat Couscous
A North African pasta made by rolling tiny bits of durum semolina and water which are then steamed and dried. Unlike yellow couscous this brown version is made with unrefined wheat granules and is available at health food stores.
