NOURISHING ESSENTIALS (December 2018)

Different than regular miso (which can be made from a rice and soybean mix), this hatcho miso is carefully roasted and made into powder following a time-honored tradition and using quality soy beans (no grains), natural salt and pure water. It is then aged in authentic wooden tubs for over two years. This naturally-brewed, fermented food can help to promote a healthy gut, probiotic cultures, and ease inflammation.

Nutritional information:N/A

(FUKAMI UME TEN)

Umeboshi are pickled ume fruits, similar to plums, and are a staple in the Japanese diet. Although they can commonly be found all over Japan, only 1% produced in the famous umeboshi region of Wakayama are organic. These umeboshi are JAS/USDA certified organic with no added chemicals (even in the fertilizer), preservatives or artificial coloring. Truly only the best quality ume is used! Learn more about these amazing producers on our Producer Spotlight.

Shiso, part of the mint family, adds to the beautiful flavor and color. This nutritional superfood may aid in digestion, help protect the liver (a great hangover cure!), may stabilize blood sugar and is high in antioxidants. Your lips will pucker as you enjoy the sour flavor! Learn more about umeboshi on our Blog Post.

Nutritional information: Serving size: 100g, Calories: 73kcal, Total Fat: 0.7g, Sodium: 16.8g, Total Carbohydrate: 15.6g, Protein: 1.1g

(YAMATO SHOYU MISO)

When it comes to fermentation, koji is king. Sake, soy sauce, rice vinegar and miso are all made from koji and this versatile fermented rice can be used as an ingredient (try it in a salad dressing) or as a marinade (tenderizes meats, fish and vegetables while adding that delicious umami flvaor). The best chef's in the world are raving about it - just ask René Redzepi and David Zilber from Noma! The beneficial bacteria promote gut health and are also rich in enzymes that help to digest protein, carbs and fat while increasing the bioavailability of minerals.

Suggested use: Use as an ingredient (try it in a salad dressing), as a marinade (tenderizes meats and fish while adding that delicious umami flavor. Try our Quick and Easy Koji Marinated Grilled Chicken recipe HERE), to create Japanese pickled vegetables known as Tsukemono (try our recipe HERE) or as an alternative to salt.

Ingredients: Fermented rice, Salt, Hops

Nutritional information: N/A

Baked Anno Sweet Potato

安納やきいも

(JAT)

These anno sweet potatoes are found in Tanegashima, Kagoshima and are famous for their special sweet taste. These naturally sweet snacks are baked in a kiln, which enhances their sweetness (with no added sugar), and results in a deliciously, sticky flavor. Sweet potatoes are high in fiber and nutritious!

Suggested use: Peel the skin and enjoy as is. You can also heat it in the microwave.

Ingredients:Anno sweet potato

Nutritional information:N/A

1st Place Energy Cacao Cream

ファーストプレイス　エナジーカカオクリーム

(MANA)

This unique and delicious energy bar is made using 5 simple ingredients and contains no added sugar or preservatives. It's naturally sweetend using a rare brown rice (amazake) produced in the Tamba area in Hyogo prefecture and fermented with awamori koji. Perfect for when you're on the go or for a workout!

Suggested use: Enjoy as is or spread it on bread/crackers.

Ingredients: Brown rice sweet sake, Organic cacao nibs, MCT oil, Organic agave inulin, Plant origin lactic acid bacteria. (Includes wheat and soy)

Nutritional information:Serving size: 1 packet, Calories: 91kcal, Total Fat: 3.9g, Sodium: 0g, Total Carbohydrate: 12.5g, Protein: 1.5g, Potassium: 10.6mg, Magnesium: 3.2mg, Calcium: 1.07mg, Cacao polyphenol: 190mg, Alchohol: 0%

Choicest gyokuro powder

玉露粉末緑茶

(TOMONI)

We all know the incredible benefits of green tea, but the type and quality matters. These convenient packs contain 100% high-quality, gyokuro green tea powder made from leaves grown in the mountains of Japan. The powder has passed strict tests in order to receive the seal of approval reserved for agricultural products that carry proven authenticity with respect to farms, cultivation, processing and pesticide use. Learn more about gyokuro tea in our Blog Post (Click HERE). (Three packs included)

Suggested use: Can be enjoyed hot or cold. Mix 1/3 of a pack in 100ml of hot water or one full pack in 450ml of cold water. You can also add it to your favorite smoothie, ice cream, cakes and cookies as a nutritional boost.

Ingredients:Gyokuro green tea powder

Nutritional information: N/A