Making miso in a jar too big for the amount of paste. Is it a problem?

Making miso in a jar too big for the amount of paste. Is it a problem? - Hands of a Woman With Manicured Nails Making Coffee

we want to make miso and we have some koji ready. It's not that much though and we are wondering if using a 5L jar for about 1.5kg of miso might be a problem. Are there issues with air circulation or surface exposed to the air?

Thank you



Best Answer

I have been into miso for a short time, so I am far from being an expert and I won't attempt a complete answer. However, let me raise two points which I think are relevant:

  1. It is common to remove and dispose the thin dark layer that was in contact with the air when harvesting the miso. The reason is that LAB bacteria present in the air often proliferate on that layer, yielding a rancid and acid layer of miso which you are not looking for. A larger pot will likely have a bigger surface cross section which will yield a bigger layer in contact with the air. In other words: putting little miso in a large pot will yield you less finished product. In my opinion it is a pity to think you will be throwing away a good proportion of something you waited months to make!

  2. According to the Noma Guide to Fermentation, you should put a weight of about 50% the total mass of the miso during the fermentation process. I believe that what is really relevant here is not the mass on the top of the 'miso cake' but rather the pressure exerted on cake. If that is correct, using a big pot for a small cake will probably require you to put more than 50% of the cake weight in order to get the same pressure 50% mass would exert in a smaller pot (and in the extreme case to distribute it well accross the surface).

Maybe you have already crossed these videos, but if you have not I recommend watching this, this and its follow up to see the recipients and weights they use.




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Should miso be airtight?

5. Plastic wrap. Tightly covered miso with plastic wrap will prevent mold growth.

Why does my miso taste like alcohol?

Why does my miso smell of alcohol? It's normal for small amounts of alcohol to be formed within a miso, but if you find that the miso is becoming very alcoholic you have too much yeast present. This problem is more prevalent when the miso is stored at a warmer temperature.

Does miso need air?

It's essential to get rid of the excess air to avoid mold growth during the fermentation process. You can also keep some of the salt aside (about 20% of the larger portion) to sprinkle over the top of the miso mixture, which can help avoid mold growth during the fermentation process.

Does fermenting miso smell?

Miso has been used in China since about 722 to 481 B.C., and has been a pantry staple in Asian cuisine ever since. This powerhouse of nutrition is loaded with protein, iron, vitamin B12, potassium and dietary fiber. Lots of people are reluctant to use or eat it because of its fermented odor.



Brad Makes Miso Paste | It's Alive | Bon Appétit




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