Color difference (L*a*b* color space)
Color difference (L*a*b*)
Japanese: 色差（L*a*b*色空間）
A metric for numerically quantifying and objectively comparing color. Used to quantitatively track color changes in miso.
Color difference uses the L*a*b* color space—a three-dimensional numerical system—to objectively measure color variations. L* represents lightness, a* the red-green axis, and b* the yellow-blue axis.
In miso aging management, color difference measurement is an important tool. As the Maillard reaction progresses, L* decreases (darkening) and a* increases (more reddish). Tracking these changes numerically enables objective assessment of aging progress.
Backing up the artisan's subjective judgment of 'good color' with objective color difference data bridges sensory evaluation and instrumental analysis—a practical quality control approach.