Judging Completion
Judging completion
Japanese: 完成の見極め（かんせいのみきわめ）
Judging aging completion by color, aroma, and taste.
No strict definition of 'completed' miso. It is finished when you find it delicious. Guidelines exist.
Color darker than at preparation, characteristic aroma. Tasting reveals mellowed salt and rounded umami. Tamari on surface indicates healthy fermentation. If unsure, try in miso soup — cooking performance is the best judge. Once finished, portion and refrigerate. Continuing to age some for comparison is recommended. Staggering completion from the same batch yields multiple flavor profiles.