The Natto Journey Continues!

Welcome to the ninth issue of "Natto Talk!"

I'm thrilled to continue on this journey with you and explore the fascinating world of fermented soybeans and Japan together.

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June/July 2024, Natto Talk - Issue #9

In this ninth edition, you will learn about:

1. 'Uwabaki' - Japanese Footwear in Schools

2. An Apple Cider Vinegar Natto recipe

3. This month's Japanese word from Simply Natto's "Natto Lingo"

4. Latest Simply Natto News

"Uwabaki" - Japanese Footwear in Schools

In the previous newsletter you learned about the origin of the starting date for school in Japan.

So as a good continuation on the topic of school in Japan, I thought it would be good to teach you about the type of footwear that students wear in schools in Japan.

Click the link to read the article that I wrote about these interesting slip-on style shoes. Medium.com - Uwabaki - Japanese Footwear in Schools

June/July Recipe: Apple Cider Vinegar Natto

For this month's recipe idea I wanted to share with you a new natto combination that I came across while shopping at the store.

Apple Cider Vinegar Natto!

When I saw apples and the kanji character for vinegar (酢) on the package, I knew I had to try it.

I love apples and I like eating my natto with a little bit of vinegar (i.e. Japanese citrus vinegar), so it was a no brainer for me to see how it would taste.

After eating nine packages (not all at once! My gut would be very upset with me. LOL!) of apple cider vinegar natto, it's safe to say that this combination has become one of my new 'Go-To' flavors.

It has a refreshing, light sweet taste, with a slight sour finish.

If you're like me and enjoy a little vinegar taste in your sauces, or you're looking for a unique flavor to try with your natto, the apple cider vinegar combo makes for a good choice.

How To Make

Things You Need:

1. Package of natto (40-50g)

2. Fresh cracked black pepper

3. Soy sauce

4. Apple Cider Vinegar

5. Olive oil

6. (Optional) A pinch of salt

*** The ingredients listed above are an attempt by me to replicate the apple cider vinegar sauce that is included in the packages of natto that I buy here in Japan.

I haven't been able to recreate the exact taste yet, but I would suggest playing around with the ingredients to come up with a flavor that suits your tastes.

Let the adventure begin!

Step 1: Create your apple cider vinegar sauce using the various ingredients (play around until you make a concoction that suits your palate).

Step 2: Open the package of natto and remove the inner plastic and the included sauce and mustard.

Step 3: Add some of your apple cider vinegar sauce to the natto.

Step 4: Add some fresh cracked black pepper to the natto.

Step 5: Mix the natto 20-30 times.

Step 6: Put your natto on some rice, or eat it with some other foods like tofu, avocado, tomatoes, etc.

I've really enjoyed this new flavor that I discovered and I hope you will too!

Looking for more unique ideas on how you can enjoy your natto? natto-food-with-sauces-and-spices.html

Simply Natto's Language Corner

This month's Japanese word is:

りんご酢

(ringosu)

"rean-go-sue"

(slightly roll the 'r' in 'rean')

meaning: apple cider vinegar

Here's a video on how to pronounce りんご酢 (ringosu) and what it means. YouTube Video - Natto Lingo - Ringosu

The Latest Simply Natto News

Along with discovering and trying out different ways to eat my natto, I have started to create a video series for the Simply Natto YouTube channel.

My hope is to make videos that are captivating and that will teach you about natto, show you some of Japan and the Japanese culture, and be a guide for you as you continue along on your natto journey.

The first video I've made is a faceless type, with me as the narrator and various sounds added to bring each scene to life.

You can check it out by clicking the link.

Mind you, it's my first go at creating a video like this, but I hope you like it. The History and Benefits of Natto

What to do Next?

Comments? Ideas? Feedback?

What did you think of the apple cider vinegar natto combination?

Did the flavors suit your tastes?

Did you replace the rice with some tofu, avocado or sliced tomatoes?

I'd love to hear from you.

Just reply to this publication, or leave a comment on the videos, and tell me what you think!

To all of my fellow "Natto Foodies," thank you for joining me on this natto-filled adventure, and I look forward to sharing and discussing more natto goodness with you in our next issue of Natto Talk.

Until next time!

Justin