If you’ve encountered japanese cuisine then you probably notice the unique ingredients that are incorporated on each japanese dish as a result of its wonderful taste. In this article, we will talk about the main condiments found on popular dishes in Japan and you’ll find out why in the land of the rising sun, longevity is its best-kept secret.
Health Facts Of Condiments Used In Japan
In this article, we will introduce you to 4 japanese condiments and their health benefits. Do you love japanese cuisine? Then these health facts will make you love it more!
1. Miso (Soybean Paste)
Miso is an important seasoning to many japanese staple foods and has been around since the 8th century. It is made of crushed and boiled soybeans added with barley or rice and wheat. Miso is added on popular dishes such as ramen, miso soup, salads, etc. It is incredibly healthy as it helps promote heart health and reduces the risk of heart disease. It also contains several vitamins and minerals like protein, vitamin K, manganese, copper, zinc etc. Moreover, it helps improve digestion, supports strengthening the immune system and reduces risks of certain cancers like stomach, lung, colon and breast cancer.
2. Su (Rice Vinegar)
Su is an important agent in japanese cuisine. Together with sugar and salt, rice vinegar is popular for being one of the ingredients in making sushi rice. Another dish is sunomono, a light salad topped with other various vegetables or seafood. Su is very healthy as it helps improve digestive health due to its content known as acetic acid. It also enhances heart health and aids in controlling body weight.
3. Shoyu (Fermented soy sauce)
Shoyu has been around since the 16th century, one of the oldest condiments in Asia. In fact, it was created 2,200 years ago in China. Shoyu’s main ingredient is wheat, salt and water and is used as a seasoning to several traditional japanese cuisine and as a sauce to sashimi such as the sashikomi shoyu, the darkest shoyu variety. Much like su, shoyu helps improve digestion because consuming clear soup with shoyu enhances gastric juice secretion to your body. Moreover, traditionally made shoyu has ten times more antioxidants than red wine, aiding you in weight loss.
4. Black Sesame
Once you start eating japanese dishes, you would probably notice black sesame everywhere; in maki, salads, on top of rice, onigiri and even in ice cream! Black sesame is a superfood containing several vitamins and minerals essential to your body. It is also good for your skin and hair, has anti-ageing properties and also promotes good digestion.
Conclusion
Knowing some of these common condiments in Japan will help you understand its importance in japanese palate as well as appreciate more of Japan’s best loved-cuisines. Which of these ingredients is your best pick? Tell us in the comments below what you think of japanese condiments.
References:
https://savoryjapan.com/ingredients/spices.html