CultureJuly 8, 2026
miso
/ˈmiːsoʊ/
Definition
A traditional Japanese paste made from fermented soybeans, salt, and often a grain like rice or barley, commonly used as a base for savory soups.
Etymology
The word is a direct borrowing from the Japanese term 'miso', which is derived from the kanji characters for 'taste' (mi) and 'source' or 'origin' (so). It has been a central component of Japanese culinary tradition for centuries.
In the news
In this article, miso is mentioned as the primary ingredient in a potato and snap pea soup served as part of a traditional shōjin ryōri meal. It highlights the use of fermented, plant-based staples in Buddhist cuisine.
Shōjin Ryōri: Japanese Vegetarian Food from the Heart
Read the full article ↗nippon.com