Barley Koji (Mugi-Koji)

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.

A Japanese distilled spirit made from rice, barley, sweet potato, brown sugar, or other ingredients, saccharified with koji mold before distillation. Typically 25-35% ABV.

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.'

A paste-like amazake concentrate made by saccharifying rice koji and rice at high concentration. Diluted with water or milk to drink, or used as a sugar substitute in cooking and baking. Gaining attention as a natural sweetener alternative.

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.'

A Japanese distilled spirit made from rice, barley, sweet potato, brown sugar, or other ingredients, saccharified with koji mold before distillation. Typically 25-35% ABV.

The white solid remaining after pressing sake mash. Widely used in cooking (kasujiru soup, kasuzuke pickles), as amazake base, and in cosmetics. A nutritious food containing resistant protein (hard-to-digest protein).

Yeast-fermented bread arrived from Portugal in the 16th century. It evolved uniquely in Japan, producing unparalleled variety: shokupan (milk bread), anpan (red bean), curry bread, melon bread, and more. Natural yeast and sake-seed bread are also popular.

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.