A traditional Japanese health and beauty drink: "Drinkable IV" Koji Amazake
Amazake is a traditional Japanese drink that has been served at celebratory occasions since ancient times. It has long been talked about as a "drinkable IV drip" or "drinkable beauty serum" due to its rich nutritional value, and it is also known as "Japanese yogurt" overseas, attracting attention as a "fermented food" like miso, soy sauce, vinegar, pickles, pickled vegetables, and natto, which have supported the health of Japanese people for many years.
Similarly, in Japan, fermented foods are always attracting a lot of attention, and amazake continues to attract interest from a wide range of generations as health consciousness grows against the backdrop of social issues such as preventing summer fatigue during the scorching heat of summer and boosting immunity as a means of preventing viruses.
Thinking about it again, we know that "amazake" is good for the body, but what exactly is it? This time, we will introduce you to "amazake", a powerful ally for everyone's health and beauty!
Of course, you can use it every day. It is also recommended as a gift to celebrate the mother who is going through a difficult time after childbirth and breastfeeding.
"Hare to Kurashi no Amazake" is available in a straight type that you can drink as is, and in a pouch pack (with a drinking spout) that you can easily carry around. Made with locally produced ingredients, this refreshing and easy-to-drink five-fruit amazake brings together the charms of Okayama, the land of sunshine.
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meimei-ware 25.5 serving plate, Ringhana (black rust matte)
Vendor:吉田本店Regular price ¥540 JPY(税込)Regular priceUnit price per -
meimei-ware 25.5 serving plate, Ringhana (black rust matte)
Vendor:吉田本店Regular price ¥540 JPY(税込)Regular priceUnit price per -
meimei-ware 25.5 serving plate, Ringhana (black rust matte)
Vendor:吉田本店Regular price ¥540 JPY(税込)Regular priceUnit price per -
meimei-ware 25.5 serving plate, Ringhana (black rust matte)
Vendor:吉田本店Regular price ¥540 JPY(税込)Regular priceUnit price per -
meimei-ware 25.5 serving plate, Ringhana (black rust matte)
Vendor:吉田本店Regular price ¥540 JPY(税込)Regular priceUnit price per
①Two types of amazake
Did you know that there are two types of amazake?
1) Amazake made from koji (rice malt) and 2) Amazake made from sake lees.
① "Koji Amazake (rice malt)"
Amazake is made only from rice and rice malt. The rice is heated and fermented by the koji mold in the rice malt.
The enzymes in the koji break down starch to produce glucose, giving it a mellow sweetness. Amazake has a natural sweetness without the use of sugar. Of course, even though it's called amazake, it doesn't contain alcohol, so it can be enjoyed by pregnant women and babies up to about 10 months old.
Some products contain added sugar or salt .
② "Sake lees sweet sake"
It is made by adding water to sake lees and sweetening it with sugar or other ingredients to make it easier to drink.
Sake lees are a by-product of the sake-making process. They are made by adding water and sugar to sake lees and heating them to make "amazake," which contains a small amount of alcohol. Pregnant women and children, as well as people who are driving, should refrain from drinking it.
② "Amazake Life" to balance your mind and body
Nowadays, amazake is primarily thought of as a winter drink, with hot amazake being sold for seasonal celebrations, but it is said that in the Edo period it was drunk to prevent summer fatigue, and so it is treated as a summer seasonal word.
Amazake has long been popular for its nutritional value and ability to strengthen the immune system, and today it is said to be like a "drinkable IV drip" due to its high nutritional value and immediate effects. Amazake is widely said to be "rich in nutrients," but what specific benefits can you expect from it?
Relieving constipation
The abundant dietary fiber and oligosaccharides help regulate the intestinal environment.
It is said that the number of good bacteria in the intestines increases, and the intestines are stimulated by dietary fiber, which makes bowel movements smoother. For people who are prone to constipation, as well as those on a diet, improving your intestinal environment has great benefits.
Fatigue recovery
Amazake, made from rice malt, contains koji fungus, which aids digestion and absorption and is expected to boost the immune system. It is also recommended when you are feeling tired or want to improve your physical condition.
Reduce stress
Amazake contains ingredients such as GABA, pantothenic acid, and essential amino acids that reduce stress. Research has also shown that ergothioneine, which is contained in rice koji, has the effect of regulating the excitability of brain nerves that process information about anxiety and pain. If you tend to feel irritated, we recommend spending some time relaxing in the evening with a cup of hot amazake.
Diet effect : The glucose contained in amazake is not only an energy source for the brain, but also aids digestion and raises blood sugar levels. When blood sugar levels rise, the satiety center in the brain is stimulated, so drinking just a small amount of amazake can make you feel full.
It is recommended for those who are on a diet and have food restrictions, or for those who have trouble stopping snacking.
Skin beautifying effect
Amazake is rich in B vitamins, including vitamin B2 and B6.
B vitamins help with protein metabolism, and by activating the metabolism of the skin's protein layer, waste products from the skin can be easily flushed out. The effects of these vitamins can also help improve skin condition. They work from the inside of the skin, even during dry seasons.
In addition, the kojic acid found in koji amazake also acts as a whitening ingredient, preventing the production of melanin, blemishes, and dullness. It's like a "drinkable sunscreen."
Hair beautifying effect
Amazake contains biotin, a vitamin B group nutrient that is said to help synthesize keratin, the main component of hair. This is expected to promote hair growth and regrowth, and also has a positive effect on hair shine and strength. There are also reports of people claiming that drinking amazake has reduced the appearance of gray hair, and amazake has been drawing attention as a way to promote beautiful hair and combat gray hair.
Especially for postpartum care
After giving birth, your body will begin to recover and milk production will begin.
Taking care of a baby can cause sleep deprivation and changes in your daily rhythm, making it easy to fall ill during this time. Hormones in the body change dramatically, which can make you feel depressed or anxious. In times like these, we recommend sweet sake. It is important to take the time to rest your body and get the nutrients it needs to recover and produce breast milk. However, there are times when you are not able to get enough nutrition due to your health or busy schedule. Sweet sake also contains folic acid, which is an essential nutrient for the growth of the fetus. It helps produce high-quality breast milk, not just before birth.
◆Disadvantages of Amazake◆
Amazake may seem like a versatile super drink, but it does have some drawbacks. Because it contains sugars such as glucose, it can be quickly used as energy, but it can also cause blood sugar levels to spike and is a little high in calories. Drinking too much can lead to weight gain and high blood sugar levels, so you need to be careful about how much you drink.
◆Recommended time period◆
Amazake, which is easily digested and absorbed, is recommended for getting plenty of energy in the morning, waking up the body and increasing metabolism. During the day, your activity level increases and you use your brain a lot, so drinking amazake to get the glucose you need will help you concentrate better.
In the evening, it helps relieve stress and relax after a long day. You can also mix it with hot milk. By incorporating it into your daily routine, you can boost your immunity.
3. Koji Amazake carefully made from koji selected by Hare to Kurashi
The process of making koji
Seeding
Steamed rice
Steaming can
Switchback
Koji
Yoshida Main Branch: Preserving Traditional Tastes
"Koji is a living thing. What people can do with koji is
All we do is create a place where the koji can grow healthily."
The amazake made at Yoshida Honten is made using traditional methods, with all ingredients being locally and domestically produced, and all processes being done by hand.
Since our founding in 1889, we have made koji our number one priority, sensitively sensing seasonal changes and using our craftsmanship and wisdom, relying on intuition and experience.
At Hare to Kurashiki, we not only want to deliver safety and security, but we also want our products to be delicious and enjoyable for the whole family to drink every day, which is why we chose Yoshida Honten's Amazake.
④The blessings of Okayama, the land of sunshine ＜Amazake for a sunny life＞
All ingredients are locally sourced.
Fruit Amazake from the fruit powerhouse "Sunny Country, Okayama"
The rice used to make the rice koji is 100% "Akebono" grown within Okayama Prefecture.
The sweetness and richness of the condensed rice flavor. You can enjoy the mellow sweetness and sourness that only koji can provide.
The flavor is "plain," which allows you to fully enjoy the deliciousness of the rice. In addition, you can choose from four other flavors: "Okayama White Peach," "New Pione," "Shine Muscat," and "Setouchi Lemon," all from Okayama Prefecture, the land of fruit and sunshine. Of course, no preservatives, colorings, sugar, artificial sweeteners, or antioxidants are used. Please enjoy with peace of mind.
5. Starting Amazake with your kids
Amazake has long been consumed at celebratory occasions, and is a standard drink for New Year's Day and the Girls' Festival.
Amazake, made from koji, contains no unnecessary additives, so it's recommended to start with a celebratory table. Not only is it safe for children to drink, but it also excels at creating a gorgeous presentation. Its pale, cute creamy white color makes it a stylish addition to any table.
However, no matter how healthy and delicious it is, there are probably some people who don't like the unique fermented flavor of amazake. In that case, try diluting it with fruit, yogurt, milk, etc. to make it easier to drink.
≪ Make Amazake even easier to drink + a little extra effort ♪ ≫
●Add to yogurt●Dilute with milk or soy milk●Dilute with carbonated water●Freeze to make a sorbet.
●Ice cream and jelly toppings
Many recipe sites are full of recipes that use amazake, from sweets to popular dishes. It is also nutritious, so it can be enjoyed casually as a snack or supplement in your daily life.
Amazake can be enjoyed on a variety of occasions, from celebratory occasions to relaxing moments in your daily life.
The lineup of Amazake from Hare to Kurashi is centered around "Fruit Amazake" from Okayama, the land of fruit, so that it can be enjoyed by a wide range of generations. It can be enjoyed by the whole family, of course. We also have a gentle gift set that is kind to your body.
詳しいレシピは連載中「ちゃみさんちの台所」vol.1・vol.2をご覧ください▶
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