If you’ve had Japanese food, you’ve had miso. It is a paste made from soybeans that are steamed and fermented with salt, with other ingredients that may include barley, rice, hemp seed, wheat, and more. It has a long history in Japan, and is known for its mysterious essence of umami, one of the five basic tastes. You can buy it in most supermarkets and Asian grocers, and it’s a great addition to many dishes, so give it a try.… Read more »