Amy asked me if natto is probiotic. According to Japan Natto Kinase Association, “natto bacteria, Bacillus Subtilis natto, is a type of fungus that produces salt-free fermented soy bean product. It has endosperm and is the most stable kind of fungus in nature. Bacillus Subtilis natto gets activated and strengthened beneficial intestinal flora. The functions of Bacillus Subtilis natto are:
1. Increase beneficial bacteria
2. Inhibit harmful intestinal bacteria
3. Produce a proper balance of intestinal flora
4. Produce strong protein and carbohydrate degradation enzymes (the traditional way of eating natto with rice makes a great sense)
5. Elaborating B-complex vitamins abundantly
Now a quote from my The Japanese Kitchen (page 122-124): “There are several similar stories about how natto came into being – it involves an interesting coincidence. Farmers or warriors as far back as 10th century threw away leftover, still warm, cooked soybeans on top of discarded rice straw. Later they found that the beans had fermented in the straw and were transformed into a food with a distinctive flavor and texture. Natto bacteria reside in rice straw had performed the miracle of creating a new food, rather than spoiled waste. In 1905 a Japanese researcher succeeded in isolating the natto bacteria from other varieties in rice straw. By 1919 cultured natto bactyeria were introduced to the natto industry, and natto production became more stable and prosperous.” When I was small, natto was sold in rice straw wrappers which reminded me of the story of natto’s invention. A fragrance of rice straw is unfortunately found in today’s packaged natto.
Today there is a natto making kit sold in Japan. The kit comes with a bag of soybeans (small bean variety), natto bacteria, thermometer, containers to ferment natto and thermo-box. I searched if I can purchase natto bacteria in America so that I can try it here. The answer is yes! During my search I was surprized to learn that there are health pills sold on-line, which contains natto bacteria. I am not a believer of these pills, so this summer I will make my own natto using natto bacteria and increase beneficial bacteria in my gut. I will post the recipe, then.
Luis and Amy tried natto during Culinary Trip To Japan with Hiroko Shimbo. Amy, who lives in Chicago, became a natto lover.
