Organic Koji from Vermont, USA - 16 oz Red Miso Koji/Shio Koji

Koji is the steamed polished rice inoculated with the Aspergillus oryzae culture, and it is responsible for the fermentation process of not only amazake (kome koji), but also miso (rice or barley koji) and a number of other fermented foods. The package includes directions, and traditionally, the different kinds of koji are used for various purposes.

If you want to make amazake or rice milk, you should order the amazake koji. For miso, you can either choose short-term koji for the sweeter miso varieties, or long-term or barley koji for the darker, heartier miso varieties. If you want to use the koji to ferment or marinate vegetables or meat, any koji will do, as they all contain powerful enzymes that will break down protein, carbohydrates, and fats. The subtle flavor differences in the final products are the result of the proportions in which these enzymes occur in any particular koji.

If you're not sure where to start, it's recommended to begin with short-term koji as an all-round koji, gain some experience with that, and then move on to the other varieties to expand your horizon. The color of koji can vary from greenish-white to earthy green.

The package includes detailed instructions, and the different types of koji are traditionally used for specific purposes. For amazake or rice milk, you should order the amazake koji. For miso, you can choose short-term koji for sweeter varieties or long-term or barley koji for darker, heartier varieties. Any koji can be used for fermenting or marinating vegetables or meat, as they all contain powerful enzymes that break down protein, carbohydrates, and fats. The subtle flavor differences in the final products are due to the proportions of these enzymes in each type of koji.

If you're new to using koji, it's suggested to start with short-term koji as an all-purpose option, gain some experience, and then explore the other varieties to expand your culinary horizons. The color of koji can range from greenish-white to earthy green.

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