Are you curious about trying something uniquely Japanese?
Natto, a traditional fermented soybean dish, might be the adventure you’re looking for.
Loved by many in Japan for its distinctive taste and impressive health benefits, natto is a food like no other.
While its strong aroma and sticky texture may be a challenge for first-timers, those who give it a chance often find it to be a nutritious and satisfying part of their diet.
In this article, we’ll explore what makes natto so special and how you can experience it through 7-Eleven Japan’s convenient and tasty natto sushi rolls.
Whether you’re a foodie eager to expand your palate or just curious about Japanese cuisine, read on to discover the wonders of natto!
Discovering Natto: A Traditional Japanese Superfood
Natto is a traditional Japanese food made from fermented soybeans.
It has been a staple in Japanese diets for centuries, known for its unique taste, texture, and significant health benefits.
For many Japanese people, natto is a beloved comfort food, often enjoyed as a breakfast dish with rice.
However, for those unfamiliar with natto, its strong smell, sticky texture, and distinctive flavor can be quite surprising.
Despite its unusual characteristics, natto is highly regarded for its nutritional value, being rich in protein, vitamins, and probiotics.
What is Natto?
Natto is created by fermenting soybeans with a type of bacteria called Bacillus subtilis.
The fermentation process gives natto its characteristic stickiness and strong, pungent aroma.
Natto is often served with soy sauce, mustard, or green onions to enhance its flavor.
It is commonly eaten with rice, but it can also be used as a topping for sushi, mixed with noodles, or added to salads.
The Unique Taste and Texture of Natto
The first thing you’ll notice about natto is its distinct smell, which can be off-putting to some.
The texture is equally unique – sticky, stringy, and slightly slimy.
When you stir natto, it becomes even more sticky, creating long, stringy strands.
The taste is earthy and somewhat bitter, with a hint of umami.
For many, the texture and smell of natto are acquired tastes, meaning they take some getting used to.
Health Benefits of Natto
Natto is celebrated in Japan not just for its flavor but also for its numerous health benefits.
It is a rich source of protein, making it a popular choice for vegetarians and those looking to add more plant-based proteins to their diet.
Natto is also high in vitamins, particularly vitamin K2, which is important for bone and cardiovascular health.
Additionally, the probiotics found in natto support gut health, improving digestion and boosting the immune system.
Why Natto is an Acquired Taste
For many people outside of Japan, natto can be challenging to enjoy at first.
Its strong smell, unusual texture, and distinct taste are very different from the foods typically found in Western diets.
However, those who persist often find that they develop a taste for natto over time.
In fact, some foreigners who initially disliked natto have grown to love it, appreciating both its flavor and its health benefits.
Natto in Japanese Cuisine
In Japan, natto is a versatile ingredient used in various dishes.
It is most commonly eaten with rice for breakfast, but it can also be found in sushi, salads, and even pasta dishes.
Natto sushi, or natto maki, is a popular form of sushi that combines the sticky, flavorful soybeans with vinegared rice and nori (seaweed).
For those willing to try something new, natto offers a unique culinary experience that is both flavorful and nutritious.
Introducing 7-Eleven Japan’s Natto Sushi Rolls
7-Eleven Japan, a popular convenience store chain, offers a wide range of sushi rolls, including natto maki.
These natto sushi rolls are an easy and affordable way to try natto, especially for those new to this unique food.
A Quick Overview of 7-Eleven Japan’s Natto Sushi
The natto sushi rolls from 7-Eleven are made with high-quality ingredients, including fermented soybeans, sushi rice, and nori.
They are conveniently packaged and ready to eat, making them a great option for a quick snack or meal.
The Ingredients: What’s Inside the Roll?
7-Eleven’s natto sushi rolls feature a simple yet flavorful combination of ingredients.
Inside the roll, you’ll find natto, which provides a savory and slightly pungent taste.
The sushi rice is seasoned with a bit of vinegar, adding a mild tanginess that complements the natto.
The roll is wrapped in nori, which adds a crisp texture and a hint of ocean flavor.
The Popularity of Convenience Store Sushi in Japan
In Japan, convenience stores, known as “konbini,” are famous for offering a wide range of fresh and delicious foods.
7-Eleven is particularly known for its sushi, which is made fresh daily and is of surprisingly high quality.
Natto sushi rolls are just one example of the many types of sushi available at 7-Eleven, making traditional Japanese cuisine accessible to everyone.
How to Enjoy Natto Sushi: Tips for First-Time Triers
If you’re trying natto sushi for the first time, it’s important to keep an open mind.
Start by eating the sushi slowly, savoring the flavors and textures.
If the taste is too strong at first, try adding a little soy sauce or mustard to balance the flavor.
Remember, natto is an acquired taste, so it might take a few tries to fully appreciate it.
Where to Find Natto Sushi Rolls Outside of Japan
While 7-Eleven’s natto sushi rolls are widely available in Japan, they can be harder to find outside the country.
Some Japanese or Asian grocery stores may carry similar products, or you might find them at specialty sushi restaurants.
If you’re curious about natto, it’s worth seeking out these rolls to experience this unique aspect of Japanese cuisine.
The Challenges and Joys of Trying Natto for the First Time
Trying natto for the first time can be an adventure.
Many people are surprised by its strong flavor and unusual texture, but it can also be a rewarding experience.
Overcoming the Initial Shock: First Impressions of Natto
The first time you try natto, you might be taken aback by its smell and stickiness.
It’s not uncommon for people to find it strange or even unpleasant at first.
However, many who try it eventually grow to appreciate its unique qualities.
Tips for Enjoying Natto: From a Japanese Perspective
To fully enjoy natto, it’s helpful to try it in different forms.
Whether it’s mixed with rice, served as sushi, or added to a salad, there are many ways to experience natto.
Japanese people often add condiments like soy sauce or mustard to enhance the flavor.
Common Reactions from Foreigners Trying Natto
Foreigners trying natto for the first time often have mixed reactions.
Some are pleasantly surprised, while others find it challenging to eat.
It’s all part of the experience, and for many, it becomes a story to share with friends.
How Natto is Slowly Gaining Popularity Abroad
As Japanese cuisine continues to gain popularity worldwide, natto is slowly making its way into the diets of adventurous eaters.
Health-conscious individuals and those interested in trying new foods are increasingly curious about natto.
Final Thoughts: Embracing the Uniqueness of Japanese Food
Trying natto is a great way to experience the diversity of Japanese cuisine.
It might be challenging at first, but it offers a taste of something truly unique.
For those willing to give it a try, natto can be a delicious and healthy addition to their diet.
Summary
Natto is a traditional Japanese food that offers a unique combination of flavor, texture, and health benefits.
Though its strong aroma and sticky texture may be unfamiliar to those outside Japan, natto is a beloved part of Japanese cuisine.
From its rich protein content to its beneficial probiotics, natto provides numerous health advantages.
7-Eleven Japan’s natto sushi rolls offer a convenient way to experience this traditional food, making it accessible even to those trying natto for the first time.
If you ever visit Japan, be sure to challenge yourself by trying natto.
It’s an experience you won’t forget, and who knows—you might just discover a new favorite food!
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