What is koji?

White rice koji

Koji is the term for a grain or bean that has been inoculated with Aspergillus Oryzae, a special fungus that has been domesticated for about 9000 years. 

White Rice Koji is made by steaming white rice and then allowing spores of Aspergillus Oryzae to germinate and multiply on it. 

This process is carefully controlled to ensure conditions are perfect for koji growth, with both temperature and humidity monitored continually. The fungus then converts starch within the rice into a range of enzymes, which go on to create the delicious range of savoury/umami flavours within foods like miso and soy sauce.

Before being packaged, the koji is gently dried to preserve it,  and it is then delivered to fermented food enthusiasts around the world!

3 thoughts on “What is koji?

  1. Looking forward to making some miso!

  2. presumably I can make miso with this? I want to get some hazelnut miso on the go for Christmas gifts!

    1. Yes, this is exactly what you need to make miso! Just be careful when making nut miso – I find they go rancid very easily, as koji contains lipase which breaks down fats. I recommend using defatted hazelnut flour instead of whole nuts and keep the miso in a cold dark place for fermentation. Hope it goes well!

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