Hackoh
JAEN

The Secrets of Fermentation

Episode 10

How do the misos of Japan differ?

What is the difference between the red one and the white one?

Mugi and Hakkoh-chan compare three misos of different colors.
MugiMiso comes in this many colors?
Hakkoh-chanIt does. The taste and the aroma differ too.
MugiBecause the places are different?
Hakkoh-chanThe place alone doesn’t decide it.
The amounts of soybean, koji and salt, together with differences of temperature and time, lead to misos of different colors.
MugiThen what changes the color?
Hakkoh-chanHow much koji, and how much salt.
Hakkoh-chanThe temperature, and how long you wait.
MugiThe numbers you chose become the taste.
Hakkoh-chanYes. How you handle the soybeans changes it too.
Around a map of Japan, bowls of miso differing in color and texture are set out region by region.
MugiAnd those choices stayed with each place?
Hakkoh-chanThey did. They were handed on through daily life.
MugiA local taste is a record of choices, then.
Hakkoh-chanThat’s a lovely way to see it.
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