Vinegar (Su)

Japan's iconic rice wine brewed through 'parallel multiple fermentation,' where koji mold saccharifies rice starch while yeast simultaneously performs alcoholic fermentation.

Steamed rice cultivated with koji mold (Aspergillus oryzae). The starting point for almost all Japanese fermented foods: sake, miso, soy sauce, vinegar, mirin, amazake, and more. Truly the 'mother of Japanese fermentation culture.'

The quintessential Japanese cuisine combining vinegared rice with raw fish and other toppings. Modern nigiri-zushi originated from 'Edomae-zushi' in the late Edo period. Multiple fermented seasonings — vinegar, soy sauce, miso, mirin — support sushi culture.

A Japanese seasoning combining citrus juice with soy sauce, vinegar, mirin, and dashi. Widely used as 'ponzu shoyu' for hot pot, sashimi, and salads.

A family of seasonings based on miso mixed with sugar, mirin, vinegar, sake, etc. Includes dengaku miso, sumiso (vinegar-miso for nuta), sesame miso, and many regional variations.

Japanese 'kombucha' is a non-fermented drink made from powdered kelp dissolved in hot water. Separately, 'kocha kinoko' (tea mushroom) was a fermented tea drink that boomed in 1970s Japan, made by fermenting black tea with a SCOBY. The 'kombucha' popular in the West today refers to the latter.

The oldest form of sushi in Japan, made by fermenting fish with salt and cooked rice for months to years through lactic acid fermentation. Unlike modern nigiri-zushi, the rice serves as a fermentation medium and is sometimes not eaten.

Japan's quintessential fermented seasoning, made by fermenting and aging soybeans with koji (rice, barley, or soybean koji) and salt. Essential for miso soup and countless Japanese dishes.

Japan's fundamental seasoning, made by adding saltwater to soy sauce koji (soybeans and wheat with cultivated koji mold) and fermenting for about one year. Contains all five tastes: umami, salty, sweet, sour, and bitter.

A versatile seasoning made by fermenting rice koji with salt and water. Koji enzymes break down proteins in meat and fish to unlock umami. A 'shio koji boom' around 2011 spread it nationwide.

A seasoning made by mixing rice koji with soy sauce and fermenting. Like shio koji, it is noted as a versatile condiment. The umami of soy sauce combines with koji's sweetness and enzymatic power for deep flavor.

A Japanese seasoning combining citrus juice with soy sauce, vinegar, mirin, and dashi. Widely used as 'ponzu shoyu' for hot pot, sashimi, and salads.

A family of seasonings based on miso mixed with sugar, mirin, vinegar, sake, etc. Includes dengaku miso, sumiso (vinegar-miso for nuta), sesame miso, and many regional variations.