Hi Lexi,
Miso is soybean paste. It is used to flavor foods such as soups, vegetable stews, beans, etc. It has a slightly salty taste. It comes in many varieties. The most healing miso for the body is barley miso, aged over 2 years. Genmai miso is brown rice miso. There are various brands of white, yellow, and red miso. All differing in taste regarding how long the miso is aged and what ingredients it is made of. It is recommended to buy organic brands of miso made with non GMO (genetically engineered) soybeans. Also be sure that the brand you buy is not pasturized or treated with preservatives.
To use miso in a dish: Take some hot water from the dish you are making (soup, beans, stew) puree 1 tsp. of miso (per cup of soup or other dish) in the hot water. Remove dish from heat if boiling (boiling will destroy miso's active enzyme qualities). Miso is an excellent food for optimal digestion. Add pureed miso to your hot dish and stir, after removing food from heat.
Miso used this way is very fresh tasting and delicious. Do not cook miso.
Nancy
