Fermentation

Let’s make Shoyu (soy sauce)!

You have probably tasted soy sauce in your life. I'm proud that dark brown liquid from Japan has made its way far beyond...
Japanese tradition

My Umeboshi journey part2

It's been too long since my first umeboshi blog post!My umeboshi journey continued, and it went pretty well!!I had so mu...
Japanese tradition

What Is Dashi? The Invisible Heart of Japanese Cooking

When people think of Japanese food, sushi or ramen might come to mind. But behind the scenes, many dishes are brought to...
Japanese tradition

Shun: Embracing Japan’s Seasonality Through Food

One of the most beautiful concepts in Japanese food culture is the idea ofshun (旬)— the precise moment when a food is at...
Fermentation

What is Nukaduke? Japan’s Crunchy Fermented Treasure with a Surprising Modern Comeback

What is Nukaduke? Japan’s Crunchy Fermented Treasure with a Surprising Modern ComebackHave you heard ofnukaduke (糠漬け)—th...
Japanese tradition

Umeboshi: Japan’s Timeless Preserved Plums and a Taste of Early Summer

As Japanese rainy season approaches — known as tsuyu (梅雨), literally "plum rain" — it also marks the time when ume, or J...
Fermentation

What is Miso? – A Fermented Staple Rich in Flavor, History, and Creativity

If you’ve ever enjoyed a bowl of miso soup or tasted a rich miso glaze on grilled fish, you’ve encountered one of Japan’...
Japanese tradition

Embracing the Japanese Seasons: Understanding the 24 Solar Terms

We all know 4 seasons, spring, summer, autumn and winter.But in Japan, there's lot more to feel!Japan's deep connection ...
Fermentation

What is Koji? Japan’s Magical Mold Behind Miso, Sake, and More

What is Koji? Japan’s Magical Mold Behind Miso, Sake, and MoreWhen you hear the word mold, your first thought might be r...
Japanese tradition

My First Umeshigoto: Preserving the Taste of Early Summer

Every year in Japan, as the rainy season (tsuyu 梅雨) begins, a quiet ritual takes place in many households:umeshigoto, or...