Myoko Kanzuri
Kanzuri is Kanzuri Co.'s trademarked orange-red seasoning made with Myoko-grown chilies that are salted and exposed on snow, then mixed with rice koji, yuzu and salt and fermented for at...
At a glance
| Name | Myoko Kanzuri (Kanzuri) |
|---|---|
| Prefecture | Niigata |
| Region | Chubu |
| Type | Trademarked fermented chili, koji and yuzu seasoning |
What is it?
Kanzuri is Kanzuri Co.'s trademarked orange-red seasoning made with Myoko-grown chilies that are salted and exposed on snow, then mixed with rice koji, yuzu and salt and fermented for at least three years. Its heat is joined by citrus aroma, salt and fermented savoriness.
The characters Kanzuri, literally suggesting cold-season making, reflect a local antecedent. The present standardized product and process were developed by a company founded in 1966, so regional tradition and one firm's history should be kept distinct.
History and local context
The official process salts autumn chilies, spreads them on snow for three to four days around Daikan, crushes them, adds koji, yuzu and salt, then ages the mixture three years with annual turning. Claims about snow's effects are attributed to the maker.
Regular Kanzuri is heat-treated to stop fermentation for unopened shelf stability; Nama Kanzuri is unheated and refrigerated, while a ginjo version matures at least six years.
How to enjoy it
Begin with a chopstick-tip amount beside hot pot, pork soup, soba, sashimi, grilled chicken or tofu, tasting it alone before dissolving it into the dish.
Storage differs among regular, raw and long-aged products. Refrigerate after opening as labeled and use a clean, dry spoon.
This is a branded commercial confection; compare the maker and authorized seller when purchasing.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Where is Myoko Kanzuri from?
It is associated with Niigata, in the Chubu region of Japan.
What kind of food is Myoko Kanzuri?
This guide classifies it as trademarked fermented chili, koji and yuzu seasoning. See the overview for its defining ingredients and texture.
Can I order Myoko Kanzuri online?
Use the Rakuten Japan search link on this page. Confirm the maker, ingredients, storage requirements, and international shipping before ordering.
Order from Japan
Search Rakuten Japan using the original Japanese food name. Search results and product pages may be available only in Japanese.
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