Since ancient times, delicious food has always been a life enjoyment pursued by people. In Japan, a kingdom of cuisine, there is a popular national food—natto. Natto not only has high nutritional value but is also praised as a great beauty and wellness product. However, many people have always been skeptical about the taste of natto. What does natto actually taste like?
I: Olfactory Experience
When you take a pack of natto out of its packaging, the moment you tear it open, a unique and pungent smell hits you, seemingly filled with the scent of some chemical substance, which makes one a bit hesitant.
II: Textural Experience
Scoop a spoonful of natto. When you put it in your mouth, you feel the beans are slightly chewy. Unlike other beans, it has a unique stickiness, accompanied by a slightly unusual change in texture.
III: Taste Experience
Tasting natto, the first thing you notice is the strong soybean flavor, which intensifies as you chew. This is followed by a unique flavor produced by the natto bacteria, which has a slightly sour taste, accompanied by a fishy and fermented aroma.
IV: Ingredient Pairings
To reduce the peculiar taste and texture of natto, Japanese people often add various ingredients when eating it, such as soy sauce, scallions, ginger, chili, seaweed, etc., to achieve a better taste experience.
V: How to Eat
Japanese people usually put natto on rice, add various seasonings, and mix it well with chopsticks before eating. Some people also spread natto on bread or noodles, or make it into sushi with various vegetables.
VI: Historical and Cultural Background
Natto originated from traditional Japanese food fermentation techniques, dating back to the ancient Nara period. It is not only a delicacy but also an indispensable part of Japanese culture, often appearing in various art forms such as manga and anime.
VII: Nutritional Value
Natto is rich in various nutrients such as soy isoflavones, protein, calcium, iron, and vitamin E. In particular, the natto bacteria in it have multiple health benefits, such as enhancing immunity, lowering cholesterol, and promoting gastrointestinal health.
VIII: Beauty Benefits
Natto bacteria are rich in collagen and vitamin C, which can effectively moisturize the skin, prevent skin sagging, and delay aging, hence it is praised as a great beauty and wellness product.
IX: Cultural Differences
Although natto is a widely popular national food in Japan, for people from other regions, its taste can be quite strange and unconventional. Different cultural and regional backgrounds affect people's acceptance of food flavors.
X: Calorie Concerns
Although natto is nutritious, it is relatively high in calories, so it's important to control the intake when eating it to avoid affecting your health.
XI: Market Sales
In Japan, natto has become one of the common foods in supermarkets and convenience stores. Different brands of natto vary in quality and taste, so choosing a natto that suits your own palate is also an interesting thing.
XII: International Trend
With the international spread of Japanese culture and cuisine, natto is gradually stepping onto the world stage. People in many countries are beginning to accept and like natto, trying to incorporate it into their own diets.
XIII: Healthy Eating
In modern society, people are paying more and more attention to healthy eating. As a nutritious and versatile food, natto is receiving increasing attention and acceptance from more and more people.
XIV: Culinary Exploration
Whether in Japan or other countries, culinary exploration has always a topic that people never tire of. Trying new flavors, new pairings, or creating entirely new ways of eating can bring wonderful taste experiences and life enjoyment.
XV:
Although natto has a unique taste, it still carries rich Japanese culture and abundant nutritional value, and can be a choice for healthy eating and culinary exploration. Let's taste the deliciousness of natto together.