Hi there, as the weather is slowly getting colder, I hope you are staying warm and healthy.
Last week, I mentioned about the food that Japanese people are eating crazy during this pandemic. Which is Natto!
In Japan people are consciously eating more fermented foods right now because fermented foods are great for our gut health that leads to stronger immune system…but I thought it is not so practical for you because Natto has a distinct aroma, and an acquired taste and texture but I received requests for wanting to know tips of enjoy Natto so today, I would love to share tips to enjoy Natto for Natto virgins!
TIP 1: GO FOR HIKIWARI NATTO
Hikiwari natto
There are many types of Natto in Japan but the most three most popular types are : small bean Natto, big bean natto, and Hikiwari natto.
Both small and big bean Natto is made from whole soybeans but Hikiwari Natto, the soy beans have been crushed and the skin is removed. It then goes through the fermentation process. Because the skin is removed and the soybeans are smaller, the fermentation process is faster, creating a lighter colour and more subtle smell – perfect for Natto virgins!
Don’t worry, hikiwari Natto is still amazing even though its shorter fermentation process – actually contain more nattokinase (powerful enzyme that is great for healthy heart) and vitamin K.
** I don’t like big bean Natto – too much for me so even I am Natto lover, I always eat hikiwari Natto 🙂
From left to right: Big bean natto, small bean natto, hikiwari natto
TIP 2: SEASON WITH SALT RATHER THAN SOY SAUCE OR DASHI SAUCE THAT COMES WITH IT
If you are Natto beginner, it will look and taste better if you add some seasoning. My favourite seasonings for natto are:
- Salt + olive oil combo (optional: add chopped parsley)
- Salt + toasted sesame oil combo (optional: add chopped shallot)
TIP 3: COOK FOR A BIT…
Even though it is best not to heat Natto to a temperature over 70C (as it kills certain antioxidants that are good for you), if you haven’t eaten natto before, if might be easier to try cooked! The texture and smell makes it challenging to consume for a beginner, cooked down will diminish this, so if you are new, you might want to cook (Natto cheese toast is a good start!)
NATTO TOAST
For a filling and delicious alternative meal using natto, try Natto Toast! You can find the recipe from HERE.
Natto seasoned with salt is a great way to enjoy Natto for Natto beginners
** CAUTION**
If you are taking anticoagulant medications – please talk to your doctor.
Natto is high in Vitamin K (great for stronger bone because calcium needs vitamin K) but vitamin K can interfere with the effectiveness of anticoagulant medications, such as warfarin or coumadin
WHERE TO SHOP FOR NATTO?
Natto can be found at your local Asian grocer! Just check the freezer section. A packet only costs around $1.50! SUPER cheap!
Hope you get to try Natto! Natto’s health and beauty benefits are amazing! Not only good for your gut (and your immune system) but also helps build strong bones, healthy heart (lower blood pressure + cholesterol), brain health and beautiful skin!
When I first came to Australia, I didn’t like Vegemite and now I love it. But it took a while to get used it ! When I first tried stinky tofu in Taiwan, I was very scared and hesitant to eat them but loved it .
So… if you are brave and open to new Japanese superfood , go for it!!!
Happy healthy eating x
WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT NATTO TIPS AND RECIPE?
Grab my Japanese Superfoods cookbook!
DO YOU NEED HEALTHY VEGAN COOKING INSPIRATIONS?
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You don’t live in Sydney?
Don’t worry, there are two ways to learn Japanese cooking with me.
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Plant Based Cookbooks
If you want to cook more easy and tasty Japanese vegan meals using Japanese superfoods – real key for Japanese health, please grab my vegan cookbook “Japanese Superfoods” or “Top 3 Japanese Superfoods for Natural Weightloss” or even better, you can have “Japanese Superfoods combo deal” to master Japanese Superfoods.
