Miso

Secrets of Miso

Well Balanced and Healthy

Miso is a fermented soybean, originated in Japan, however it has also made its way to the Western world. Although miso is still unknown to many, individuals who are familiar with it have most likely consumed it in the form of miso soup. It’s incredibly nutritious and linked to a variety of health benefits, including better digestion, and a stronger immune system.

Complete source of protein

Miso contains a good amount of vitamins, minerals, and beneficial plant compounds. Especially, the varieties made from soybeans are considered to be sources of complete protein (※1) because they contain all the essential amino acids needed for human health.

Probiotics promote gut health and digestion

The fermentation process also promotes the growth of probiotics, beneficial bacteria that provide a wide array of health benefits. The probiotic strain you can find in miso may help reduce symptoms linked to digestive problems including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)(※2).

Helps digestion and absorption

In addition, the fermentation process also helps improve digestion by reducing the amount of antinutrients in soybeans. Antinutrients are compounds naturally found in foods, including in the soybeans and grains used to produce miso. If you consume antinutrients, they can bind to nutrients in your gut (※3), reducing your body’s ability to absorb them.

Beware of salt and food allergies

In spite of its high saltiness, it is said that miso may offer protection from certain types of cancer. That said, if you’re watching your salt intake, you may want to ask your health care practitioner before adding large quantities to your diet. Miso is a paste made from fermented soybeans often mixed with other ingredients such as rice or barley.

How Miso is Made

Types of Miso

This traditional Japanese ingredient consists of a thick paste made from soybeans that have been fermented with salt and a koji starter. People generally describe its flavor as a combination of salty and umami (savory), and its color can vary between white, light yellow, red or dark brown, depending on variety.

Types of Miso

Depending on the koji used for fermentation, miso can be divided into three types: rice, barley, and soybeans. Koji also plays a role in controlling the sweetness of miso, making it possible to create sweet or salty flavors even with the same amount of salt. The color of miso varies from red(dark brown) to white depending on the method of production, the aging period and few other conditions. In general, the redder the miso is, the richer it is, and the whiter it is, the sweeter it is.

Mame(Soybean)

Mame(Soybean)

Mugi(Barley)

Mugi(Barley)

Kome(Rice)

Kome(Rice)

Red

Red

Light-Yellow

Light-Yellow

White

White

Miso Brand

Saikyo MISO

Saikyo Miso is recognized nationwide as a representative brand of white miso and is mainly used as a seasoning. Our main product Saikyo Shiromiso (white miso) is a beautiful light beige color sweet miso with low-salt, that uses rice koji about twice as much as soybeans, and it tastes elegant and mild sweetness.

Marukome

Marukome, one of the first to create the miso with dashi, has been inventing in the miso industry, such as introducing new, easier-to-handle packaging. We continue to innovate by constantly pursuing new ideas and methods.

Hanamaruki

Hanamaruki produces a wide variety of miso products and used to be the official miso supplier for the Olympics in the past. Our corporate stance is to be particular about its ingredients and to combine traditional miso-making techniques with cutting-edge science and technology.

Fujiyasu Brewing

Fujiyasu established in 1870 and has supported the food culture of Kagoshima (a prefecture located in the southwest of Japan) through its miso, soy sauce, vinegar, and other seasonings. We also sell our products overseas to promote Kagoshima's flavor culture, including barley miso, which is unique to the southwestern region of Japan.

Cooking with Miso

Versatile and Easy

Not only the soup, miso is a versatile seasoning that can be used in a wide range of dishes such as dressings, dipping sauces, stir-fries, soups, grilled foods, and pasta. You can find in Japanese or Asian market and sometimes in US grocery store.

Serving Suggestion

*100 gram (g) in the recipe is approximately equal to 3.53 ounces (oz).

MISO Recipes

  • Soup

    Miso Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup

    Servings

    4servings

    Calories

    365kcal

    Total Time

    4hrs15mins

    • high nutritional value
    • improve immune system
    Miso Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup

    This rich, creamy soup is cozy and delicious, and easy to prepare in a slow cooker! It is a spin on a traditional blended soup using a base of sweet potatoes and butternut squash. Miso, ginger, and chili oil will warm you up from the inside out!

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  • Soup

    Spicy Miso Soup with Ramen

    Servings

    8servings

    Calories

    306kcal

    Total Time

    40mins

    • improve immune system
    • improve digestion
    • rich in flavor
    Julie Andrews

    Created by

    Julie Andrews

    Spicy Miso Soup with Ramen

    This miso soup is the best out there! It’s a fabulous compilation of ground pork, tender ramen noodles, bok choy, shitake mushrooms and a dynamite broth made from miso paste, creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, chili garlic paste, ginger and green onion. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful it becomes. You’re going to absolutely love it!

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  • Dip

    Miso Ranch Dip

    Servings

    15servings

    Calories

    61kcal

    Total Time

    5mins

    • vegetarian
    • plant protein
    • rich nutritions
    • beneficial probiotics
    Alyssa Brantley

    Created by

    Alyssa Brantley

    Miso Ranch Dip

    Transform classic ranch dip into something new and exciting by adding fermented barley miso. Just a few tablespoons of rich miso, full-fat sour cream, and dried spices are all you need to make the best ranch dip you’ve ever had!

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  • Marinade

    Miso Marinated Air Fryer Chicken Kebabs with Spicy Peanut Sauce

    Servings

    4servings

    Calories

    526kcal

    Total Time

    28mins

    • rich nutiritions
    • versatile
    Alyssa Brantley

    Created by

    Alyssa Brantley

    Miso Marinated Air Fryer Chicken Kebabs with Spicy Peanut Sauce

    Use white miso to add a massive boost of umami flavor to air fryer chicken kebabs and spicy peanut sauce. Serve with sliced cucumbers and pita bread or flatbread for a quick and easy meal that the whole family will love and crave!

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  • Dessert

    Miso Chocolate Chip Cookies

    Servings

    12servings

    Calories

    190kcal

    Total Time

    27mins

    • high nutritional value
    • healthy
    • improve immune system
    • improve digestion
    Julie Andrews

    Created by

    Julie Andrews

    Miso Chocolate Chip Cookies

    Behold the perfect chewy chocolate chip cookie! These little cookie morsels are just the right texture, have a deliciously bold vanilla flavored-dough and chunks of dark chocolate. They truly are the definition of the best chocolate chip cookies out there.

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