Summer Miso Making - Kinzanji Miso
Summer Miso Making - Kinzanji Miso
Miso you make is unique, no other miso will be like yours.
Kinzanji Miso is a very special miso made with plenty of seasonal vegetables and three different kind of koji: rice koji, barley koji and soybean koji to create complexity and depth of umami. It is typically made during the summer months, matured within a relatively short fermentation period of 2-3 months.
It is a type of ‘Namemiso’, suitable for eating rather than for cooking.
Delicious as an accompaniment with any steamed vegetables, meat and fish dish, or enjoy simply with thick slices of crunchy cucumber and celery or a warm bowl of rice. Kinzanji miso is perfect to accompany cheese board, too.
During the class you will make your own original Kinzanji miso with plenty of seasonal vegetable and tree fruits of your choice from the selection available in the kitchen, typically, aubergine, ginger, cucumber, carrot, fennel, apple and pear, among others.
You will learn about:
* Koji, the fermentation starter for miso
* The fermentation mechanism of miso
* How to make kinzanji miso
* Different types of miso and how to use them
You will take home a jar of freshly made Kinzanji miso to mature at home.
Instructor
Akemi Yokoyama
Akemi Yokoyama is a highly respected Japanese food specialist, chef, presenter, writer, and educator based in London. Her deep knowledge of Japanese food provenance stems from her father’s influence, having grown up foraging and fishing across the island of Hokkaido during her childhood.
As Principal of Sozai Cooking School, she leads acclaimed Japanese cookery classes, earning praise from UK national media. Her expertise has also been featured on major TV and radio programs, including Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch, CBBC’s Saturday Mash-Up, and BBC Radio 4’s Front Row. Most recently, she appeared on Channel 5's Faking It as a panel judge to spot the fake sushi chef.
In addition to teaching, she is a sought-after private chef, known for creating authentic and refined Japanese dining experiences.
A passionate advocate for Japanese food culture, Akemi frequently collaborates with Japanese government-related organisations and projects to promote washoku and sake across the UK and Europe. Her culinary expertise extends to Japanese fermentation, crafting a variety of miso at home and exploring traditional preservation techniques.
With a unique ability to blend historical knowledge, technical skill, and engaging storytelling, Akemi is a dynamic force in the world of Japanese cuisine, ensuring its traditions continue to thrive on an international stage.
Member of Japanese Culinary Academy, UK
Certified miso sommelier, Japan
Certified koji making instructor, The Koji Academy, Japan
International Wine Challenge Sake Judge
British Sake Association Culinary Committee
This was the second Sozai cooking class I have done with Akemi. Both were brilliant. Akemi is extremely knowledgeable about Japanese food, and I left both classes with lots of new information about Japanese food.
We made loads of delicious food, most of which we ate at the end of the class but we also got additional to take home. I would definitely recommend this class. The recipes are very approachable but still tasty, and I'm excited to try and replicate them at home. In three hours we managed to cook five dishes, which was really impressive.
I used to love sushi before going to class, but now I'm fully obsessed. I learnt a lot of new ways to prepare sushi. And the teacher was incredibly polite and helpful, explaining everything with great commitment. It was unthinkable that you couldn't understand something! If you don't know what to give for your close friends or family, this is the greatest gift to attend the roll & roll sushi class.
Cooking Ramen with Akemi was brilliant! We loved the insights and the final Ramen we cooked was delicious. The class size and atmosphere was perfect.