What is the history of natto in Japanese culture and the reactions of foreigners?

Natto has become an essential part of Japanese food culture. Although natto is familiar to Japanese people, many people may not know the history of natto or how foreigners will react to it.

This article will introduce the history of natto in Japanese culture and the reactions of foreigners to natto.

What is natto? ?

Natto is a traditional Japanese fermented food made by fermenting soybeans. Generally, a specific bacteria called natto bacteria is added to soybeans and fermented at a certain temperature and humidity. Natto is characterized by its unique aroma and sticky texture.

Natto is sold in supermarkets at a very low price and is highly nutritious.

History of natto

There are various theories about the history of natto, and there are various histories. I will introduce some of them.

1.Prince Shotoku is the beginning! ?

Around the year 600, Prince Shotoku had left over boiled beans that he had been feeding his horses in Shiga Prefecture, and it was a waste to throw them away, so he wrapped the boiled beans in straw and hung them, resulting in the stringy natto that we know today. Ta. It is said that when people ate the beans, they discovered that they were delicious, and the recipe for making them spread.

2. Natto was discovered on the way to the rebellion! ?

It is said that during the Heian period, Taro Hachiman, who was sent from Kyoto to quell a rebellion in Iwate Prefecture, discovered natto with strings on it when he opened a straw filled with boiled beans that he carried on the back of a horse. Masu. It is said that it was delicious and nutritious when eaten, so it was said that it was spread throughout Japan on the way back from Iwate Prefecture to Kyoto.

How do foreigners react?

When I spoke to foreigners who have had the experience of eating natto, I found mixed opinions about it.

It seems that natto, which is sticky and fermented, is difficult for foreigners to accept.

summary

Natto is a fermented food that is essential to Japanese food culture, and is a food that is loved throughout Japan. It is highly nutritious and easily available, so please try purchasing it at your local supermarket.

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