On a stretch of fertile land, where several tributaries flow into Tokushima Prefecture’s broad Yoshino River, sits Miura Fermented Foods.

In the miso-making business since 1849, Miura has long been known for its nesashi miso, a variety produced in just a few parts of Tokushima. Made only with soybeans, nesashi miso has a strong, unique flavor that some find unusual but that adds richness to many dishes. Fifth-generation owner Seiji Miura describes nesashi miso as “similar in character to blue cheese. Just a tiny dab adds surprising depth to a dish’s flavor, and it has sparked interest among chocolatiers and chefs who specialize in French or Italian cuisine.”

Sea miso?: The rounded soybean cakes are called “namako” because of their supposed resemblance to the sea cucumber, which goes by that name. | Shogo Oizumi
Sea miso?: The rounded soybean cakes are called “namako” because of their supposed resemblance to the sea cucumber, which goes by that name. | SHOGO OIZUMI