Tailored Miso with Long Beach Koji

Tradition Meets Innovation in Miso-Making 

At Long Beach Koji, we are dedicated to sharing the rich heritage of Miso with our community. While classic Miso features soybeans, Koji, and salt, we celebrate the cultural diversity of Long Beach by experimenting with fresh, creative varieties of Miso. 

Innovative Miso Varieties 

Beyond the traditional soybean Miso, we are excited to offer unique tastings such as Cacao Miso, Masa (Corn) Miso, and Miso crafted from a range of beans. Each new flavor is inspired by the many cultures that enrich our city. For example, in Japan, red beans (Azuki) are highly valued and have been cultivated for thousands of years. Their deep red color is seen as a symbol of prosperity and good fortune, and Azuki beans frequently appear in festive meals and ceremonial dishes, including weddings and New Year’s celebrations. 

What is "Temae Miso"? 

"Temae Miso" (手前みそ) is a Japanese phrase meaning "self-made miso," referring to homemade Miso. Figuratively, it describes a subtle form of self-praise. Despite the emphasis on modesty in Japanese culture, people sometimes use "Temae Miso" to gently boast about their achievements. For instance, one might say, "手前味噌ですが、このロゴのデザイン、ちょっと自信作です。" or, "I don’t mean to brag, but I’m quite proud of this logo design." This phrase strikingly captures the interplay of pride and humility in social exchanges. 

Koji Workshops includes Miso making

We are thrilled to invite you to our hands-on Koji workshops! Guided by expert instructors, you’ll learn every step—from choosing ingredients to fermenting your own batch. During the workshop, we’ll focus on soybean Miso, but you’ll also have the opportunity to purchase rice Koji from Long Beach Koji and try making your own styles at home. 

To help you find your favorite flavor, our workshops include a Miso tasting session. You’ll discover the variety available and get inspired for future creations. The workshop date will be announced on our Instagram once it is finalized, so stay tuned for updates. 

Join our vibrant community at Long Beach Koji, where the timeless art of Miso-making is celebrated with a spirit of creativity. We can’t wait to welcome you to our workshop!