Unlock the Umami: A Step-by-Step Guide to Eating Natto Like a Pro

Natto. The mere mention of the word can elicit strong reactions. Loved by some, vehemently disliked by others, this traditional Japanese food made from fermented soybeans is definitely not for the faint of heart. Its distinctive smell, sticky texture, and acquired taste can be off-putting at first. However, for those willing to venture beyond their comfort zone, natto offers a unique culinary experience and a wealth of health benefits. This guide will walk you through the process of eating natto properly, turning you from a natto novice to a natto enthusiast.

What is Natto?

Before diving into the how-to, let’s understand what natto actually is. Natto is made by fermenting soybeans with *Bacillus subtilis natto*. This process creates a food that is incredibly nutritious and packed with probiotics, vitamins, and enzymes. It’s a staple in Japanese cuisine, often eaten for breakfast, and is considered a superfood due to its impressive health profile.

**Key characteristics of natto:**

* **Smell:** The odor is often described as ammonia-like or cheesy.
* **Texture:** Natto is notoriously sticky and stringy.
* **Taste:** The taste is complex, often described as nutty, earthy, and slightly bitter. It is an acquired taste.
* **Appearance:** The soybeans are small, brown, and coated in a viscous, sticky film.

Why Eat Natto? The Health Benefits

Despite its unusual characteristics, natto boasts a wide array of health benefits that make it worth trying:

* **Rich in Vitamin K2:** Natto is one of the best natural sources of vitamin K2, which is crucial for bone health and cardiovascular function. Vitamin K2 helps direct calcium to the bones and teeth, preventing it from depositing in arteries.
* **High in Protein:** Natto is an excellent source of plant-based protein, making it a great option for vegetarians and vegans.
* **Probiotic Powerhouse:** The fermentation process creates beneficial probiotics that support gut health, improve digestion, and boost the immune system.
* **Contains Nattokinase:** This enzyme, unique to natto, is believed to have blood-clot dissolving properties, potentially reducing the risk of blood clots and improving circulation.
* **Rich in Fiber:** Natto is a good source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes satiety, and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
* **Good Source of Iron:** Iron is essential for carrying oxygen throughout the body, and natto provides a decent amount of this vital mineral.
* **May Improve Bone Density:** Studies suggest that the vitamin K2 in natto can help improve bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

Getting Started: What You’ll Need

Before you can enjoy natto, you’ll need to gather a few essential items:

* **Natto:** This is the star of the show! You can find natto at most Asian supermarkets, Japanese grocery stores, and increasingly, in the refrigerated section of well-stocked grocery stores. It usually comes in small, styrofoam containers with individual servings.
* **Soy Sauce:** Almost always included in the natto package in small sachets, soy sauce enhances the flavor and adds a salty element.
* **Japanese Mustard (Karashi):** Similar to soy sauce, many natto packages contain small sachets of Japanese mustard. It provides a sharp, pungent kick that complements the umami of the natto.
* **Rice:** Cooked white rice is the traditional accompaniment for natto. The warm rice provides a contrasting texture and helps balance the flavors.
* **Chopsticks:** Essential for mixing and eating natto.
* **Optional Toppings:** These can add flavor and texture to your natto experience. Popular options include:
* **Green Onions (Scallions):** Finely chopped green onions add a fresh, mild onion flavor.
* **Japanese Leek (Negi):** Similar to green onions but with a slightly stronger flavor.
* **Raw Egg Yolk:** Adds richness and creaminess.
* **Dried Bonito Flakes (Katsuobushi):** Provides a smoky, savory flavor.
* **Seaweed (Nori):** Adds a salty, umami flavor and a crispy texture.
* **Kimchi:** For those who like a spicy kick, kimchi adds a fermented, tangy flavor.
* **Avocado:** Adds creaminess and healthy fats.

The Step-by-Step Guide to Eating Natto

Now that you have everything you need, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. Follow these steps to enjoy natto like a seasoned pro:

**Step 1: Open the Package and Remove the Sauces**

Carefully open the natto container. You’ll usually find a thin plastic film covering the natto and small packets of soy sauce and Japanese mustard tucked inside. Remove these packets and set them aside.

**Step 2: Remove the Thin Plastic Film**

Peel back the thin plastic film covering the natto. Be careful, as the natto can be quite sticky and the film may cling to it. Discard the film.

**Step 3: The Mixing Ritual (The Most Important Step!)**

This is where the magic happens! Using your chopsticks, vigorously stir the natto. The more you stir, the better the texture will become. The goal is to create a frothy, stringy consistency.

* **Why is stirring so important?** Stirring develops the characteristic stringiness of natto. The more you stir, the more the enzymes are activated, breaking down the proteins and creating longer, more pronounced strands. This also helps to aerate the natto, making it lighter and more palatable.
* **How long should you stir?** Aim for at least 50-100 stirs. You’ll notice the natto becoming lighter in color and more voluminous as you stir. Some people even stir for several minutes!
* **The right technique:** Hold your chopsticks firmly and use a circular motion to thoroughly mix the natto. Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty – this is part of the experience!

**Step 4: Add the Soy Sauce and Mustard (Optional)**

Once you’ve stirred the natto sufficiently, add the soy sauce and Japanese mustard to the container. The amount you add is a matter of personal preference. Start with a small amount of each and adjust to your liking. If you don’t have the included mustard, any yellow mustard can be used as a substitute, although the flavor will be slightly different.

* **Soy Sauce:** Start with about half of the soy sauce packet and taste. You can always add more if needed.
* **Mustard:** The Japanese mustard is quite potent, so use it sparingly, especially if you’re not a fan of spicy flavors. A small dab is usually enough.

**Step 5: Stir Again**

After adding the soy sauce and mustard, stir the natto again to incorporate the flavors evenly. This will ensure that every bite is perfectly balanced.

**Step 6: Serve Over Rice**

Spoon the natto over a bowl of warm, freshly cooked rice. The warmth of the rice will help to enhance the flavor and aroma of the natto.

**Step 7: Add Your Favorite Toppings (Optional)**

This is where you can get creative! Add any of the optional toppings you’ve prepared to your bowl of natto and rice. Some popular combinations include:

* Natto, rice, green onions, and a raw egg yolk.
* Natto, rice, dried bonito flakes, and seaweed.
* Natto, rice, kimchi, and avocado.

**Step 8: Enjoy!**

Finally, it’s time to dig in! Use your chopsticks to mix the natto, rice, and toppings together. Take a bite and savor the unique flavors and textures. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations to find your perfect natto experience.

Tips for a Better Natto Experience

* **Start Small:** If you’re new to natto, start with a small serving size. You can always eat more if you like it.
* **Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment:** Try different toppings and combinations to find what you enjoy. There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to eating natto.
* **Embrace the Stringiness:** The stringiness of natto is a sign that it’s been properly fermented and stirred. Don’t be put off by it – embrace it!
* **Hold Your Nose (If Necessary):** If the smell is too strong for you, try holding your nose while you take your first few bites. You may find that you get used to the smell over time.
* **Pair with Other Japanese Foods:** Natto pairs well with other Japanese foods like miso soup, pickles (tsukemono), and grilled fish.
* **Try it in Different Dishes:** Natto can also be used in other dishes like natto sushi, natto omelets, and natto pasta.
* **Freshness Matters:** Check the expiration date on the natto package to ensure that it’s fresh. Fresh natto will have a more pleasant flavor and texture.
* **Temperature Matters:** Some people prefer to eat natto at room temperature, while others prefer it chilled. Experiment to see what you prefer.

Addressing Common Natto Concerns

* **”The Smell is Too Strong!”** The smell is often the biggest hurdle for new natto eaters. While you can’t completely eliminate the smell, you can try holding your nose while you eat or adding strong-flavored toppings like kimchi or mustard to mask the odor.
* **”The Texture is Weird!”** The sticky, stringy texture can also be off-putting. Stirring the natto vigorously helps to improve the texture by making it lighter and more airy. You can also try adding toppings like crispy seaweed or crunchy vegetables to add contrasting textures.
* **”The Taste is Unpleasant!”** The taste of natto is definitely an acquired one. It’s often described as earthy, nutty, and slightly bitter. Adding soy sauce, mustard, and other toppings can help to balance the flavors and make it more palatable. Don’t give up after just one try – it may take a few attempts to develop a taste for natto.

Beyond the Basics: Natto Variations and Recipes

Once you’ve mastered the basic way of eating natto, you can start experimenting with different variations and recipes. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

* **Hikiwari Natto:** This type of natto is made from chopped soybeans, resulting in a smaller, more manageable texture. It’s a good option for those who find the large, whole soybeans too intimidating.
* **Otsuyu Natto:** This variation involves adding a special sauce called *otsuyu* to the natto. Otsuyu is a savory broth made from soy sauce, mirin, and dashi (Japanese soup stock). It adds a rich, umami flavor to the natto.
* **Natto Sushi:** Natto can be used as a filling for sushi rolls. It’s often combined with other ingredients like avocado, cucumber, and pickled radish.
* **Natto Omelet:** Add natto to your omelet for a protein-packed and flavorful breakfast. You can also add other ingredients like cheese, vegetables, and herbs.
* **Natto Pasta:** This is a more unconventional way to eat natto, but it can be surprisingly delicious. Toss cooked pasta with natto, soy sauce, olive oil, and your favorite toppings.
* **Natto Fried Rice:** Add natto to fried rice for a boost of protein and flavor. It pairs well with other ingredients like vegetables, eggs, and meat.

Where to Buy Natto

Finding natto is becoming easier as its popularity grows. Here are some places where you can buy natto:

* **Asian Supermarkets:** This is the most reliable place to find natto. Look for it in the refrigerated section, usually near the tofu and other Japanese ingredients.
* **Japanese Grocery Stores:** Japanese grocery stores will have a wider selection of natto, including different brands and varieties.
* **Well-Stocked Grocery Stores:** Some mainstream grocery stores are starting to carry natto in the refrigerated section. Check the international foods aisle or the health food section.
* **Online Retailers:** You can also buy natto online from retailers like Amazon. This is a convenient option if you don’t have access to a local Asian supermarket.

Storing Natto

Natto should be stored in the refrigerator. It will typically last for several weeks, but it’s best to consume it before the expiration date. Once opened, natto should be eaten immediately. You can freeze natto to extend its shelf life, but the texture may change slightly after thawing.

Conclusion: Embrace the Natto Adventure

Eating natto may seem intimidating at first, but with a little patience and experimentation, you can learn to appreciate its unique flavor and texture. This guide has provided you with all the information you need to embark on your natto adventure. So, go ahead, grab a package of natto, follow these steps, and unlock the umami!

Remember, it’s all about embracing the experience and finding what works best for you. Don’t be afraid to try different toppings, experiment with different recipes, and most importantly, have fun! You might just discover your new favorite superfood. Happy natto-ing!