If you're looking for an umami-rich and healthy ingredient to add to your meals, you might want to try Kyoto White Miso. One teaspoon (7g) of this delicious soybean paste contains only 15 calories, making it a low-calorie seasoning option.

Not only that, but Kyoto White Miso also has a reduced sodium content compared to regular miso, which can help you control your salt intake. In this article, we'll delve into the details of how Kyoto White Miso is made, what ingredients it contains, and what benefits it offers for your health.

You'll also discover some alternative ways to use Kyoto White Miso beyond making soup or sauce, as well as some recipe ideas that showcase its versatility.

Calorie count of 1 tsp of Kyoto White Miso

As mentioned earlier, one teaspoon (7g) of Kyoto White Miso contains only 15 calories, which is less than a tablespoon of vegetable oil (which has about 120 calories). This makes Kyoto White Miso a great addition to your diet if you want to add flavor without adding too many calories.

Reduced sodium content of Kyoto White Miso

Unlike some miso products that can be high in sodium, Kyoto White Miso is specifically made to have a lower salt content. The sodium content of one teaspoon of Kyoto White Miso is around 160mg, which is about 7% of your daily value based on a 2,000-calorie diet. By reducing your sodium intake, you can lower your risk of hypertension, stroke, and other health problems.

How Kyoto White Miso is made

Kyoto White Miso is a type of shiro miso, which is made from soybeans, rice koji (a type of mold), and salt. The process starts by cooking the soybeans and grinding them into a paste. Then, the koji culture is added to the soybean paste, and the mixture is fermented for several months. The fermentation process breaks down the complex proteins, starches, and carbohydrates in the soybeans and rice koji into simple sugars, amino acids, and fatty acids, which create the characteristic umami flavor of miso. After fermentation, the miso is pasteurized and packaged for sale.

Ingredients of Kyoto White Miso (Less Sodium)

Since Kyoto White Miso is made from only a few natural ingredients, it has a simple and clean taste that pairs well with a variety of food. Besides soybeans, rice koji, and salt, it may also include water, koji spores, and sometimes another type of ingredient for flavor, such as bonito or shiitake mushroom powder.

Gluten-free Kyoto White Miso

If you're following a gluten-free diet, you'll be glad to know that Kyoto White Miso is naturally free from gluten. However, some brands of miso may add wheat or barley to the fermentation process, so make sure to read the label carefully before purchasing.

Kyoto White Miso is vegan-friendly

Since Kyoto White Miso is made from plant-based ingredients only, it is a vegan-friendly food. It's also a good source of protein, fiber, and essential amino acids that support the growth and repair of your body tissues.

Health benefits of Kyoto White Miso

Besides its low calorie and reduced sodium content, Kyoto White Miso offers some health benefits that make it worth trying:

• It's a probiotic food that supports gut health and improves digestion.
• It provides antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that protect against oxidative stress and chronic diseases.
• It's a good source of vitamin K, which plays a role in bone and heart health, and vitamin B12, which is essential for nerve and blood cell function.

Alternative uses of Kyoto White Miso

While miso soup is a classic way to use Kyoto White Miso, you can also experiment with other culinary applications, such as:

• Using it as a seasoning for marinades, dressings, and dips to add depth of flavor.
• Pasting it over meats or vegetables before roasting or grilling to create a savory crust.
• Mixing it with mayonnaise or avocado for a healthy spread on sandwiches or toast.

Kyoto White Miso recipe ideas

Here are some recipe ideas that showcase the versatility of Kyoto White Miso:

• Vegetable and Tofu Miso Soup: cook diced vegetables and tofu in a pot of boiling water until tender, then add Kyoto White Miso, scallions, and seaweed.
• Miso-roasted Vegetables: toss chopped vegetables with a mixture of Kyoto White Miso, honey, and olive oil, then roast in the oven until caramelized.
• Miso-glazed Salmon: brush salmon fillets with a mixture of Kyoto White Miso, honey, and soy sauce, then bake or grill until cooked.

Storage instructions for Kyoto White Miso

To maintain the quality and freshness of Kyoto White Miso, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it can keep for up to a year. Before using, stir the miso well to distribute any settled solids and bring it to room temperature. Do not freeze or heat the miso excessively, as it can change the texture and taste.