This health spotlight is a delicious miso paste that was introduced to me by my friend in Nashville. The company is "South River Miso" and they make really high quality miso pastes (my particular favorite out of the few I have tried so far is the dandelion/leek paste). They produce their pastes using methods that are centuries old- no modern day corner cutting. Because of this the quality is high meaning the probiotic benefits are greater and the flavor is so much tastier than any others I have tried.

For those who don't know, miso (meaning 'fermented beans') is a Japanese fermented paste. The main ingredients are salt, fermented grains (koji) and beans. These get combined together and left to ferment over time, forming live cultures that are wonderful for your gut health. It is also high in protein and a source of vitamins and minerals. To read more about Miso and its health benefits, here is a short article with useful information.

The paste can be used in so many ways other than just making miso soup. Here's some other ways I use this miso paste:

As a spread on my toast/sandwiches

As an ingredient in this miso crusted eggplant recipe of mine

To add flavor to homemade dips

Mix into cooked veggies for extra flavor/nutrition

Mix it into my veggie broth or bone broths for added gut benefits (I make sure the broth is at a milder temperature so the heat won't kill the good bacteria in the paste).

Due to the quality that comes from ancient production methods the cost is a little higher than what you pay for regular paste at the supermarket, but in my opinion it is definitely worth the investment.