In ancient times, people from many cultures throughout the world regarded some food as gifts from the gods. Certain foods are mentioned time and time again in hieroglyphs, old relics and religious scriptures. These foods also served as a means of sacred passage, rites and offerings as well as necessities for everyday existence. Food was thought to be a gift for virtuous human beings, to bestow health giving properties, longevity and happiness.
Miso
Miso, a paste often made into soup, is eaten primarily in Japan and dates back to antiquity. Revered for its health-giving properties and prided as a homemade family specialty, miso is still consumed by most Japanese as a breakfast food. Its salty, savoury flavour varies from region to region.
Miso is made primarily from fermented soybeans, with other ingredients such as wheat, barley, rice or ginger added according to the region, giving the miso different characteristics and flavour. For example, white miso is slightly sweeter than the other varieties. Like fermenting alcohol, the final quality of the miso depends on many contributing factors, such as the environment, equipment and aging processes.
Pilgrim Buddhist monks originally brought miso to Japan from China in the7th century. Miso became an essential part of the Samurai diet because of its immunity building qualities and high protein content it was a strength builder for those training in combat. According to ancient Japanese mythology, miso was believed to be a gift to mankind from gods, to give health, longevity and happiness to those who drank it.
The soybean in miso seems to be the reason for its many health benefits, such as the ability to deter cancer and tumours, including breast cancer. Miso soup has been shown to improve immune function, increase energy production and improve the appearance of the skin, with fewer wrinkles, finer skin and a more even colour tone.
High in protein, calcium, iron and potassium, miso is an easy and cheap way to boost the nutrient intake in your diet and can last for months in a sealed container in the fridge.
The Japanese pet name for miso is 'doctor killer'. With all these positive health attributes, it's no wonder doctors felt threatened by such an easy and cheap way to ensure health!
If you haven't tried miso before, I recommend genmai miso, which is a combination of soybean and brown rice. To prepare a soup, simply pour hot water over two teaspoons of miso paste in a small bowl, adding more or less miso according to taste.
Try adding chopped ginger, shallots, wakame, kombu seaweed or shiitake or reishi mushrooms. If you are feeling experimental, add some dry roasted nuts pepitas, sesame seeds or pumpkin seeds are all delicious with miso.
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