Carwari Red Miso Paste 500g

A bold, deeply flavoured red miso paste made from three certified organic ingredients using a longer traditional fermentation process than white miso. Unpasteurised and live. Product of Japan. Red miso (aka miso) is produced using the same base ingredients as white miso - organic soy beans, organic rice koji, and salt - but fermented for a significantly longer period. This extended fermentation produces a deeper colour ranging from reddish-brown to dark brown, a more complex and robust umami flavour, and a more assertive, savoury character. Where white miso is mild and subtly sweet, red miso is rich, full-bodied, and distinctly savoury - the version to reach for when you want a pronounced miso flavour that holds its own in heartier dishes. During the longer fermentation process, melanoidin compounds develop in the paste, contributing to both the deeper colour and the more complex flavour. The soybeans are not peeled before fermentation (unlike white miso), which adds an earthier, more robust character to the finished paste. As an unpasteurised product, the fermentation process remains live in the paste. The colour may deepen over time and white spots may occasionally appear on the surface - both are normal signs of active live miso and do not affect quality. The packaging may expand slightly due to the activity of the live culture. Three ingredients. No additives. No GMO. ACO certified organic. Product of Japan. Why people love it Three certified organic ingredients: soy beans, organic rice koji, salt Traditional Japanese natural fermentation method, longer process than white miso Unpasteurised - live, unheated miso Deep, rich, full-bodied umami flavour - the boldest of the Carwari miso range No additives, no GMO, no artificial colours or preservatives ACO certified organic Gluten free, vegan Product of Japan 500g tub How to use it Red miso's more pronounced flavour makes it the right choice for dishes that can carry its depth: Miso soup: dissolve 1 to 2 teaspoons in a ladle of hot (not boiling) dashi or vegetable stock, then add to the pot. Do not boil miso - add off the heat to preserve the live cultures and flavour Ramen broth: red miso is the traditional base for tonkotsu-style miso ramen, stirred through rich pork or vegetable broth Marinades and glazes: combine with mirin, sake, and sugar for a classic miso glaze for salmon, eggplant, tofu, chicken, or pork belly - the stronger flavour is better suited to longer marinating times Stir-fries: a tablespoon stirred through a stir-fry sauce adds a deep savoury backbone Slow-cooked dishes: added to braises, stews, and slow-cooked meat dishes where the flavour develops over time Compound butter: blended with softened butter and spread over grilled meats or vegetables Dressings: whisked with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and ginger for a bolder dressing for robust salads, grain bowls, and roasted vegetable dishes A note on temperature: miso should not be boiled. Add to dishes off the heat or at the end of cooking to preserve its flavour and live cultures. White vs Red - how to choose Both are Carwari certified organic miso pastes available at Santos: White Miso (shiro miso): shorter fermentation, milder and sweeter flavour, pale colour. Best for light soups, dressings, marinades where a subtle miso note is wanted Red Miso (aka miso, this product): longer fermentation, bold and deeply savoury flavour, dark reddish-brown colour. Best for hearty soups, ramen, slow-cooked dishes, and robust marinades where a strong miso flavour is the goal Storage Store in a cool dry place before opening. Refrigerate after opening and consume as soon as practical. As an unpasteurised live product, refrigeration after opening is important to maintain quality and slow continued fermentation. The colour may darken over time and white spots may appear on the surface - both are normal in authentic live miso. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface before replacing the lid to minimise oxidation. Ingredients Organic Soy Beans, Organic Rice (Koji), Sea Salt. Contains: soy. Gluten free. Vegan. No additives. No GMO. ACO Certified Organic. Country of origin: Product of Japan. Certification: ACO Certified Organic. About Carwari Carwari is a Sydney-based food company founded around 45 years ago, originally supplying traditional Middle Eastern products including tahini. From 2006 they expanded into Japanese fermented foods, applying traditional techniques and minimal processing to produce an ACO certified organic miso range. Santos also stocks Carwari Organic White Miso Paste 500g, Organic Hulled Tahini 750g, and Organic Unhulled Tahini 750g. Why Santos Organics Santos has been the Northern Rivers' organic food shop since 1978. As a not-for-profit social enterprise, every purchase supports our work in community food systems, environmental advocacy, and the Grow the Growers project. We stock Carwari because their commitment to certified organic ingredients, traditional methods, and transparent production meets the Santos Care Check standard.