What is Natto
Natto (納豆) is a traditional Japanese food made from whole soybeans that have been fermented using a bacterium called Bacillus subtilis var. natto. This fermentation process gives it a distinctive slimy, sticky, and stringy texture, along with a pungent, ammonia-like aroma and a nutty, earthy flavor that many people find an acquired taste . It’s a staple in Japanese cuisine, particularly for breakfast, where it’s often mixed with rice, soy sauce, mustard, green onions, or raw egg yolk to tone down its intensity.
How its Made
The process is straightforward and dates back over 1,000 years:
- Soybeans are soaked overnight and then steamed or boiled until soft.
- They’re inoculated with the Bacillus subtilis starter culture.
- The mixture ferments at around 100°F (38°C) for 24 hours, during which the beans develop their signature sliminess from polyglutamic acid and the bacteria break down proteins into peptides. my natto is available fresh in The UK in 100g pots enough for a couple of meals, it is widely available in Japan and increasingly in international markets, often sold in small Styrofoam packs with seasoning packets
Video to explain what it is, its pretty informative
5 Things You Didn’t Know About ‘Natto’
Natto, they say, is an acquired taste. But if you’re one of those people intimidated to even try in order to get used to its unique flavor, you may just need a little mental conditioning, and a load of reasons to say that this sticky and smelly health food is worth a try. By Katrina Vinluan
- ‘Natto’ Beans for Breakfast
http://www.acornmag.com/whats-for-breakfast/
Japan, known for its aging population, should also be known as the country in 2015 with the highest life expectancy—perhaps thanks to natto. Statistics would show that the Japanese diet a decade ago always put natto as part of the most important meal of the day. At that time, there were not as many cases of diabetes or heart problems. Ten years later, as more people are embracing an increasingly Western diet, these statistics have been changing. - But the people who keep this superfood in their diet benefit from reduced bone loss and enhanced liver function. They also get a good dose of protein
- If bacon and butter sounds appetizing to you, good news: natto could be mixed with these in a flavorful pasta! Natto has a weird bitter and salty taste, something like bland soybean boiled in brie.
- Natto may be strong in odor, but it actually has a neutral taste suited to the strong flavors of earthy mushrooms, salty butter, toasty garlic and smokey bacon—basic ingredients of a tasty pasta. Its versatility even makes it delicious when mixed with vegetable stir-fries and fried rice.
- Natto Is Good for Your Skin
https://ithinkincomics.net/category/travel-2/japan/
Posh spa Shizuka NY takes this in a literal sense! In fact, their homegrown moisturizer contains soy collagen and natto bean extract to improve elasticity and firmness of the skin. But lathering the skin with stinky natto may may not be the best way to enjoy this healthy product. A daily dose of natto in your diet already guarantees that you get vitamin-like compound PQQ, which promotes skin tissue production. - Finally Natto’ for Dessert?
Sushi chefs do funky chocolate Nut natto with Matcha