The traditional production of soy sauce in Japan, as practiced by Masatsugu Fueki at Fueki Syoyu Brewing for over 220 years, is a testament to the rich heritage and craftsmanship that goes into this iconic condiment. In this formal and informative description, we will explore the traditional handmade process of soy sauce production:
Traditional Handmade Soy Sauce Production in Japan
For over two centuries, Fueki Syoyu Brewing has been producing soy sauce using the same time-honored methods, passed down through generations. The process is characterized by its simplicity, relying on only three core ingredients: soybeans, flour, and salt. 1. Ingredient Selection:- The process begins with the careful selection of high-quality soybeans, which serve as the foundation of the soy sauce's flavor.
- Wheat flour is also chosen for its specific characteristics and is a key component in the production.
- The soybeans are steamed and roasted to bring out their unique flavors.
- This step is crucial in achieving the desired depth of taste in the soy sauce.
- After steaming and roasting, the soybeans are mixed with wheat flour and a special type of mold called "koji."
- Koji plays a pivotal role in fermenting the mixture and breaking down starches into simpler sugars.
- The mixture, known as "moromi," is placed in wooden fermentation tanks.
- It is left to naturally ferment for an extended period, typically months or even years.
- During fermentation, the enzymes from koji and naturally occurring microorganisms transform the mixture into soy sauce.
- Once fermentation is complete, the moromi is pressed to extract the liquid, which is the soy sauce.
- The solid remnants are used for other purposes, reducing waste.
- The extracted soy sauce undergoes filtration to remove any remaining solids.
- It is then aged in wooden barrels to develop its complex flavor profile.
- The final soy sauce is carefully bottled and labeled for distribution.