FAQ

Products – Dried Konjac

Q. What is konjac?

Konjac is a traditional food made from the root of the konjac plant.

It’s been enjoyed in Japan for over 1,500 years, not only for its unique texture but also for its natural health benefits.
Konjac is composed mainly of water and a powerful soluble dietary fibre called glucomannan.
This makes it naturally:

– Low in calories and carbohydrates
– High in fibre
– Gluten-free and Vegan friendly

It is a light, healthy, and versatile ingredient, perfect for those looking for a satisfying, nutrient-rich food option.

Q. How is ‘YU&MI Dried Konjac’ different from the standard konjac sold in water?

Our dried konjac are made using the same traditional method, then dehydrated to significantly enhance its quality and usability.

The key advantages of ‘YU&MI Dried Konjac’:

– No “Konjac Odour”: Unlike water-packed konjac, which often has a slight, fishy smell due to the preservative liquid, our dried product is odour-free. This makes it far more approachable and enjoyable for first-time users.s and carbohydrates.
– Superior Flavour Absorption: Because our noodles and rice are dehydrated, they readily absorb the flavour of your sauces, broths, and seasonings during cooking. They truly act as a delicious base for any dish.
– Better Texture: The rehydration process gives our konjac a pleasant, satisfying texture that is less rubbery and more akin to traditional pasta or rice once prepared.
– Improved Convenience: They are lightweight, require no refrigeration, and have a long shelf life, making them ideal for stocking your pantry, taking to work, or using in emergencies.

In short, we offer the same incredible health benefits (low-calorie, high-fibre glucomannan) but with dramatically improved taste, texture, and convenience.

Q. How do ‘YU&MI Dried Konjac’ taste?

Our dried konjac products have a naturally mild, neutral taste and are incredibly versatile. They fully absorb the rich flavour of any sauce, seasoning, or broth you cook them with, resulting in a deliciously satisfying dish.

Tip for First-Timers:
If you are new to konjac, we highly recommend easing into it by mixing a small portion with your familiar favourites. Try half konjac noodles with your regular spaghetti, or half konjac rice with basmati rice. It’s the perfect, easy way to enjoy familiar tastes while immediately reducing your overall calories and carbohydrates!

Q. How do I cook ‘YU&MI Dried Konjac’?

Cooking our dried konjac is very simple.

Noodles:

Soak: Place the dried konjac noodles in a pot filled with plenty of water.
Cook: Bring to a boil and simmer for approximately 10 minutes.
Drain: Drain and rinse thoroughly under running water.
Serve: Use in your favourite noodle or pasta recipes.

Rice:

Soak: Place the konjac rice in a pot with plenty of water and soak for at least 30 minutes.
Cook: Bring to the boil and simmer for approximately 12 minutes.
Rest: Drain and leave to rest for about 15 minutes.
Serve: Fluff with a fork and serve as a side dish or use in your favourite rice recipes.

Tip:
If you wish to try a new and exciting recipes specially designed for our dried konjac, please check our recipe page.

Health and Diet

Q. Are your dried konjac products good for weight management?

Yes, they are. Konjac has been valued in Japan for centuries as a health food, and its benefits are primarily due to its rich content of a unique dietary fibre called glucomannan.

When you consume konjac, the glucomannan fibre naturally absorbs water during the cooking process and then continues to absorb water and expand in your stomach and digestive system. This process helps to:

– Promote a sustained feeling of fullness (satiety): The continued expansion helps you feel satisfied for longer, which naturally aids in managing portion control and reducing snacking.
– Reduce overall calorie intake: By replacing high-calorie carbohydrates like traditional pasta or rice with our low-calorie konjac products, you can easily reduce your overall calorie consumption.

Importantly, this relationship between glucomannan and weight reduction is scientifically recognised and has been specifically authorised as a health claim under European (and now UK) food regulations.

Q. Do your dried konjac products offer any other health benefits?

Yes. In addition to promoting satiety, konjac is celebrated in Japan for what is traditionally called “Sunaoroshi” (砂おろし), which literally translates to “sand sweeping” or “stomach cleaning.”

This traditional name refers to the action of the konjac fibre:

– Gentle Scrubbing Action: As the glucomannan fibre passes through your digestive system, its expanded, soft texture works like a gentle “scrub” or “broom” to gather and move waste along the intestines.
– Supporting Digestive Health: This cleansing action helps to promote healthy and regular bowel movements, effectively supporting your overall digestive system and intestinal health.

Essentially, by adding our konjac products to your diet, you are embracing an ancient Japanese secret for keeping your system clean and running smoothly!

Q. Are your dried konjac products gluten-free and suitable for vegans?

Yes. Our Dried Konjac Noodles and Rice are naturally gluten-free and entirely vegan-friendly.

They are made primarily from the konjac root, purified water, a food-grade mineral coagulant (required for shaping), and tapioca starch/syrup to ensure the best possible texture after drying and rehydration. Since all ingredients are plant-based and naturally gluten-free, they are a perfectly safe and excellent choice for these diets.

Q. Are your dried konjac products suitable for low-carb or keto diet?

Our products are designed to be a low-calorie, lower-carb alternative to traditional grains, making them highly suitable for many low-carb diets.

While we do use some tapioca starch/syrup for texture, please note the dramatic reduction in calories and carbs compared to standard options:

– Noodles: Contains only 7g of carbohydrate per 100g, offering a reduction of about 70% compared to standard cooked pasta. This makes them often compatible even with moderate Keto diets.
– Rice: Contains only 14g of carbohydrate per 100g, offering a reduction of about 40% compared to standard cooked rice. While excellent for general low-carb plans, those on a very strict Keto plan should monitor their intake closely.

Important Note on Nutrition:
The nutritional information on our packaging reflects the value after the product has been cooked according to our instructions. We strongly recommend checking the label against your specific daily dietary limits.

Q. Are your dried konjac products organic?

While we do not currently hold an official organic certification, we are committed to providing the purest possible product through natural cultivation methods.

We do not use any pesticides or chemical fertilizers.

Our konjac is cultivated using highly sustainable methods, often self-propagated or grown with minimal intervention in its natural environment. This ensures the raw konjac root is as pure and natural as possible before it is processed into our high-quality dried konjac noodles and rice.