Miso is a fermented soybean paste with a distinctive flavour that enhances dishes from around the globe. Learn more about this ingredient that’s easy to cook with and packs a real health punch!
Did you know that the Japanese have the highest life expectancy in the world? This significant advantage is attributed to their lifestyle, which includes eating fermented foods like miso. Popular in Japanese cuisine, miso is made of soybeans, a grain (barley or rice), salt and water. A double fermentation process creates miso’s rich, salty flavour, its texture reminiscent of nut butter, and its brownish beige colour.
Why should you eat miso?
Well, first, because it’s full of nutrients, including proteins, enzymes, iron, zinc and B complex vitamins, as well as antioxidants, which are known to counter the effects of free radicals in the body. The combination of these nutrients promotes good gut health and a strong immune system, and helps fight certain types of cancer. But that’s not all: miso is very flavourful and can be used in a ton of recipes, from homemade broths and soups to stir fries, dressings and sauces. Although it can complement a variety of vegetable and animal proteins, miso is especially delicious with fish. It can be used as a condiment, a seasoning or even a substitute for table salt or bouillon cubes in many recipes.
Miso granules: on your marks, get set, season!
Have you heard of miso granules? These little culinary innovations have the same nutritional value and great umami taste as regular miso, but thanks to their granulated form, they’re even easier to use in your recipes! For instance, you can simply sprinkle miso granules on fish, seafood, meat, pasta or salad for a little flavour boost. Or you can add them to marinades, dressings, drips, sauces or stir fries, or add 1 ¼ teaspoons of miso per cup (250 ml) of boiling water to make an authentic miso soup. Miso granules—made by freeze drying and grinding the fermented paste—can be stored in their resealable packets for up to 24 months at room temperature. Convenient, no?
Ready to try miso granules? Our miso salmon with noodle salad and ponzu dressing is the perfect starter recipe to see for yourself how easy they are to use!
