Emilie

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...
Japanese tradition

My First Germinated Brown Rice (hatsuga gen-mai)

To be honest, I wasn't a huge fan of brown rice(gen-mai 玄米). I know I should benefit from higher nutritional value—but I...
Fermentation

Homemade Natto experience: My Fermentation Experiment with Sticky Results

If you've ever lived abroad, you'll know the feeling—craving a food that simply doesn’t exist where you are. For me, tha...
Japanese tradition

How to Make Shoyu Koji: A Rich, Enzyme-Powered Umami Condiment

Shoyu koji (醤油麹) is a magical Japanese seasoning made by combining soy sauce with rice koji. It’s packed with savory uma...
Fermentation

Exploring Time and Taste: A Nukazuke Cucumber Experiment

As someone who’s become quite attached to the daily rhythm of maintaining a nukadoko (fermented rice bran bed), I recent...
Fermentation

How to Make Miso Soup (The Ridiculously Basic but Deeply Respectful Guide)

Let’s be honest—miso soup seems like it should be obvious.And yet… when you stand in your kitchen with miso paste, tofu,...
Fermentation

How to Eat Natto (Yes, We’re Getting Ridiculously Basic)

Let’s face it—natto can be intimidating.It’s sticky. It’s smelly. It’s weird. And if you’ve never eaten it before, you m...