Laver Lament

I thought I'd add laver, a kind of seaweed, to my diet for the iodine. I rarely use table salt, the primary source of iodine for Americans. Of course, I consume salt in processed foods, but that salt is not iodized.
Here are different types of seaweed for sale in Myeongdong. They may be seasoned, salted, or well-oiled.
Seaweed is ubiquitous in foods here. I always brush the green bits aside, though. I found a small pack at a convenience store:It sat in my cabinet for months until I decided to open it for a blog picture! I know people love rice with laver. In fact, you can buy it as a snack at convenience stores. I just can't do it, though, despite the health benefits. Maybe I should have been exposed to more foods as a kid.

Gum

Here is a unique gum flavor:

Mangosteen contains xanthones, antioxidants that could have health benefits. As usual, more research is needed. (Antioxidants have proven financial benefits, though, for the functional food industry.) The astringent rind houses the antioxidants, while the flesh only provides flavor.

It has been used for traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. However, the U.S. would not import it until 2007, when fruit irradiation was allowed.

Here are some other gums:

Energizing label:

I can just smell the rotting fish with this vivid name:

Sharp shape:

OK...I will now go back to my Orbit.