Ohsawa Yamaki - Organic 2-Year Unpasteurized Barley Miso, Macrobiotic, Vegan, Kosher, Fermented Soybean Paste, Rich Flavor, Traditional - 1 Lb

We have been using Barley (Mugi) Miso as an everyday food since the 60's. We used to get it in large tubs imported by from Japanby Erewhon Trading Company. This Miso is that good. There is other Miso available that is excellent and less expensive and not everyone will appreciate the difference. But we do. We tried to get the Ohsawa company to sell us a bulk quantity but we could not qualify as wholesalers and they would not make an exception. So we buy the one pound jars. It is worth the cost to us. The quality is superb and the packaging is perfect.

Having worked as a chef in a Japanese restaurant, and also over the years I worked in the natural foods industry, I can reliably say this is one of the finest authentic miso products you will find on the market. I also use the Nama Shoyu by Ohsawa, there are few who compare in quality, it is the choice of the Royal Family in Japan. For health, flavor, and umami, this is a perfectly balanced and traditional miso. Using methods honed over centuries, the ancient cedar kegs it is aged in provide a depth and complexity of flavor which is unparalleled by other companies. For a little more in cost, you will not regret buying the best.If the price point is a bit too steep, I wanted to add that during the time I lived in Asheville, NC, Miso Master was a local company, who produced domestic tamari and miso, of a similar quality and tradition. Both are equally fine and traditional products.

- great for making dips, mixed with sour cream you can get a very good imitation onion soup mix dip! For less money, and no weird ingredients!- great for adding (at the end of cooking time) to meat soups and casseroles.- makes an easy light soup for the sick, some broth and or vegetable cooking water blend in barley miso to taste, serve!

I use this pricey Miso paste in soups and stews, hot or cold, with the hope that there is some nutritional benefit. My only complaint is the way that this item is prepared for shipping. Many times the jar arrives damaged/broken which gets replaced/refunded but is a hassle.

So yummy! Arrived sealed, but still a little leaky. Quick rinse in the sink before refrigerating and we were all set.

This is the miso to try when you're not looking for a lot of simple sweetness or fruitiness. It's dark and intense, with unusual depth and complexity. I also am impressed with the fact that it's sold in a glass jar, instead of plastic.

Smooth taste . Dissolves easily in soup .

Unfortunately I could not taste because the jar was broken when I received it!