Japan’s Traditional Fermented Soya Bean Dish Natto Gains Global Superfood Status
Quick Brief
Natto, a traditional Japanese dish made of fermented soya beans, is gaining traction as a global superfood in health food shops worldwide. Despite its strong smell and sticky, mucus-like strands, the food is transitioning from a localized breakfast staple to international markets alongside items like kimchi and kefir.
What Happened?
The ancient Japanese food natto is appearing in health food stores globally, marking a transition from a traditional Japanese breakfast item to an international superfood. While its exact historical origins remain uncertain—with some theories pointing to introduction from China by Buddhist monks during the Yayoi period—it has long been a staple in rural communities and a polarising choice for many diners.
Why It Matters
The internationalization of natto reflects broader consumer trends embracing functional, fermented foods globally. By joining items like kombucha, kefir, and kimchi, traditional regional ingredients are finding new commercial footholds outside their domestic markets.
Key Facts
- Natto consists of fermented soya beans held together by sticky strands of mucus and features a distinct smell.
- The dish is expanding into health food shops worldwide as a global superfood.
- Its origins are uncertain, though some historians believe Buddhist monks introduced it from China during the Yayoi period (300BC-AD300).
- It historically became a staple among rural communities during the Edo period (1603-1868).
Compiled from 1 outlet
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