Miso paste is a staple in Japanese cuisine, used to add flavor to soups, spreads, sauces, and pickled vegetables and meats.
But for those who are concerned about consuming alcohol, the question arises: does miso paste contain alcohol?
The answer is yes, but the amount varies depending on how it’s made and stored.
In this article, we’ll explore the role of alcohol in miso paste, its effects on the body, and whether or not it’s permissible for certain dietary restrictions.
So let’s dive in and uncover the truth about miso paste and alcohol.
Does Miso Paste Contain Alcohol?
Miso paste does contain alcohol, but the amount can vary depending on how it’s made and stored. Home-made miso can contain 1 to 2% alcohol, while most commercial miso pastes contain ethyl alcohol to help preserve them during transport and storage.
The alcohol in miso paste works as a natural preservative to prevent the formation of surface mold and to stop the fermentation process. However, it’s important to note that the alcohol content in miso paste is easily burnt off through cooking. Heating miso paste to 70°C before eating will ensure that the alcohol evaporates.
According to Google, miso soup typically contains 0.37% alcohol. While this is an extremely small amount, it may still be a concern for those who are unable to consume alcohol due to dietary restrictions.
What Is Miso Paste And How Is It Made?
Miso paste is a traditional Japanese seasoning made from fermented soybeans, salt, and koji, a mold that helps to ferment the seasoning. Other ingredients such as rice, barley, seaweed, or other grains may also be used in the fermentation process. The mixture is left to mature in barrels, crocks or massive stainless-steel tanks for at least a year and sometimes several.
The process of making miso paste involves cooking soybeans and grains, then combining them with koji and salt. The koji breaks down the starch in the grain into sugar, giving miso a sweet flavor. Enzymes break down proteins in the grains and soybeans into amino acids that we sense as delicious. Finally, naturally occurring salt-loving yeasts turn a little bit of the sugar into complex savory flavors.
Most miso pastes contain ethyl alcohol to help preserve them during transport and storage. The alcohol works as a natural preservative to prevent the formation of surface mold on the miso paste and to stop the fermentation process. However, it’s important to note that the alcohol content in miso paste is easily burnt off through cooking.
Miso paste has a texture similar to peanut butter and is known to add a salty, umami flavor to many Japanese dishes. It is used for sauces and spreads, pickling vegetables, fish or meats, and mixing with dashi soup stock to serve as miso soup, a Japanese culinary staple. Different varieties of miso have been described as salty, sweet, earthy, fruity, and savory.
The Role Of Alcohol In Miso Paste
Alcohol plays an important role in miso paste as a natural preservative. Most miso pastes contain around 5% ethyl alcohol, which is added during production to extend the shelf life of the paste. The amount of alcohol added to miso paste can vary with each producer.
The addition of alcohol to miso paste helps prevent the formation of surface mold and stops the fermentation process. This is important for maintaining the quality and freshness of the paste during transport and storage.
However, it’s important to note that the alcohol content in miso paste is easily burnt off through cooking. When heated to 70°C, even the small trace of alcohol in miso soup evaporates.
While some individuals may have dietary restrictions that prevent them from consuming any amount of alcohol, it’s important to understand that there is a threshold percentage of alcohol beneath which a solution loses its ability to intoxicate in any amount. The threshold is above 0.5%, which is also the legal limit for non-alcoholic classification of beverages in some countries.
How Much Alcohol Is In Miso Paste?
The amount of alcohol in miso paste can vary depending on how it’s made and stored. Home-made miso can contain 1 to 2% alcohol, while most commercial miso pastes contain ethyl alcohol to help preserve them during transport and storage. The alcohol content in miso paste is easily burnt off through cooking, so heating miso paste to 70°C before eating will ensure that the alcohol evaporates.
It’s important to note that miso soup typically contains 0.37% alcohol, which is an extremely small amount. However, for those who are unable to consume alcohol due to dietary restrictions, this may still be a concern. It’s worth noting that there is a threshold percentage of alcohol beneath which the solution loses the ability to intoxicate in any amount. This threshold is typically above 0.5%, which is the legal limit in some Arab countries and is also used for the non-alcoholic classification of beverages in other countries.
While there are differing opinions on whether or not consuming even small amounts of alcohol is permissible, it’s ultimately up to individuals to decide what they are comfortable with. For those who are unable to consume alcohol or prefer not to, there are halal versions of miso paste available that use other preservation methods.
Effects Of Alcohol In Miso Paste On The Body
Consuming miso paste with alcohol in it may have some effects on the body. Ethyl alcohol, or ethanol, is the type of alcohol found in miso paste and other alcoholic beverages. It is a potentially addictive substance that can have harmful effects if consumed in large quantities.
However, the amount of alcohol in miso paste is usually very small and is unlikely to cause any significant harm. In fact, the alcohol content in miso paste is often lower than that of many other fermented foods and beverages.
For those who are concerned about consuming even small amounts of alcohol, there are alcohol-free versions of miso paste available. These products use other preservation methods to ensure their shelf life.
It’s important to note that miso paste itself has many health benefits, including being a good source of protein and probiotics. Consuming miso paste in moderation as part of a balanced diet can be beneficial for overall health.
Is Miso Paste Safe For Those With Dietary Restrictions?
Miso paste is generally safe for most people, but there are some dietary restrictions to consider. Miso has high levels of salt, making it a less ideal choice for individuals who need to limit their salt intake due to a medical condition. Additionally, miso is made from soybeans, which could be considered a goitrogen. Goitrogens are compounds that may interfere with the normal functioning of the thyroid gland, especially in those who already have poor thyroid function. Therefore, individuals with thyroid issues may be advised to minimize their intake of miso.
For those who have an allergy to soy protein, miso and other soy-based foods should be avoided. Individuals with coeliac disease will need to check labels to ensure the miso product is appropriate for them and made from gluten-free ingredients in a suitably gluten-free environment. If you are on blood-thinning medication such as warfarin, your GP or dietitian may suggest you monitor vitamin K-rich foods like miso in your diet to ensure you eat similar amounts consistently.
It’s important to note that miso contains alcohol, although the amount can vary depending on how it’s made and stored. Home-made miso can contain 1 to 2% alcohol, while most commercial miso pastes contain ethyl alcohol to help preserve them during transport and storage. However, the alcohol content in miso paste is easily burnt off through cooking. Heating miso paste to 70°C before eating will ensure that the alcohol evaporates.
How To Store Miso Paste To Minimize Alcohol Content
If you’re looking to minimize the alcohol content in your miso paste, there are a few things you can do when storing it. First and foremost, it’s important to keep miso paste refrigerated after opening. This is because the salt, alcohol, and other preservatives that are added to it can cause the paste to spoil quickly at room temperature.
When storing miso paste, it’s best to use an airtight container to prevent air from getting in and causing unwanted bacterial contamination. Additionally, keeping the miso paste away from direct sunlight can help preserve its quality.
If you’re concerned about the alcohol content in miso paste, you can also try making your own at home. While home-made miso can still contain alcohol, the amount can be lower than commercial varieties that contain added alcohol for preservation purposes.
When making your own miso paste, it’s important to pack the mixture tightly in a storage container to eliminate air pockets and prevent unwanted bacterial contamination. You can also try storing the miso paste in a cool, dark place to slow down the fermentation process and minimize the alcohol content.