Yes, soy sauce is indeed made from soybeans.
Soy Sauce Ingredients
Soy sauce, also known as shoyu or soya sauce, is a popular condiment and cooking ingredient. It's primarily made using a combination of:
- Soybeans: The core ingredient providing the base flavor.
- Wheat: Adds a subtle sweetness and contributes to the fermentation process.
- Salt: Acts as a preservative and enhances flavor.
- Fermenting Agent: Typically a mold culture, it is crucial for the fermentation process that develops soy sauce's distinctive taste and aroma.
The Production Process
The process involves several key steps:
- The soybeans and wheat are cooked and then mixed with the fermenting agent (usually Aspergillus oryzae or Aspergillus sojae mold).
- This mixture is then placed in a mash called moromi with brine for fermentation.
- Over time, the moromi is pressed to extract the liquid, which is then pasteurized to halt the fermentation and create the final soy sauce product.
Why Soybeans Are Essential
The use of soybeans is vital in creating the umami-rich taste of soy sauce, lending its characteristic savory profile. Without soybeans, the product cannot be classified as soy sauce.
