Miso paste still good?

Is my miso paste still good?

Hello! I purchased a container of white miso paste a while back, likely during the Covid pandemic. Initially, it was a beige color, but after never opening it, it has now turned a dark brown. I don’t see any visible mold or anything alarming, so I’m curious if it’s still safe to use.

The miso is from the Norita brand, made in Japan, and its best-by date is March 24, 2024. However, the color changed a long time before that date. I can’t really recall why I’ve held onto it without opening it—just out of curiosity, I suppose. Is this now considered aged miso?

(Also, I hope it’s okay that I mentioned the brand. I just wanted to provide that detail to help with my question!)


Comments

One response to “Miso paste still good?”

  1. It’s great that you’re checking on the status of your miso paste! Miso can change color over time, especially if it’s been sitting for a while, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s gone bad. Since you mentioned that the package is still unopened and there are no visible signs of mold, it’s likely still safe to use.

    Color changes can occur due to oxidation and aging, and miso is known to develop deeper flavors over time. That said, if you’re ever in doubt, you can always do a small taste test to see if the flavor is still good to your liking. Just make sure to check for any off smells or unusual textures; if everything seems normal, you should be fine to use it. Enjoy your cooking!

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