Miso

Miso is a tasty paste from Japan. It is made by mixing soybeans with salt and a helper called koji. The mixture sits for months or even years to ferment. This gives miso its strong and yummy flavor.

How Miso Is Made

Miso makers cook soybeans until they are soft. Then they mash them and mix in salt and koji, which is a kind of helpful mold. The mix is packed into big barrels and left to sit. Over time, it turns into a thick paste. The longer it sits, the darker and stronger it tastes.

Eating Miso

The most famous way to eat miso is in a warm soup called miso soup. People in Japan often have it for breakfast. Miso is also used to flavor sauces, dips, and marinades for meat and fish. It comes in different colors like white, yellow, red, and brown. Each color has its own special taste.

Fun Facts

• Some types of miso take three years to make.
• White miso is sweeter than dark miso.
• Miso soup is eaten by millions of people in Japan every day.

Did You Know?

Miso has been made in Japan for over 1,000 years and is still a big part of meals today.