Spicy Crab Miso Ramen Base

Honkarebushi from the Kagoshima Prefecture is the highest quality aged, smoked, fermented & cured fillet of the skipjack tuna.  Each fish yields 6 loins. They are de-boned and cut into the shape of a boat and covered in fish paste to smooth out crevasses and were bones were removed. It is then dry smoked for 30 days and becomes Arabushi. The Arabushi is sundried for 2 days and becomes Hadakabushi. The Hadakabushi goes thru several cycles of of being sprayed with an edible mold similar to the koji mold. It rests in a high humidity fermentation room and then gets sundried. These multiple cycles naturally break down the fishes natural fats into smaller concentrated particles of umami. After several cycles of spraying, resting & sun drying over 2-3 months it becomes Karebushi . The Karebushi after at least 5 cycles and at least 4 months becomes “Honkarebushi”. Honkarebushi is the very highest quality for shaving into Katsuobushi. Honkarebushi when shaved on a plane has a most delectable aroma and a translucent red hue.

Katsuobushi Asukezuri originates from the Skipjack tuna. A tuna is cut into 4 loins , simmered for a couple of hours rubbed with fish paste and smoked for at least a month. The loins go through at least several cycles of mold (similar to koji mold) spraying, humid resting and sun drying over the next 6 months. Katsuobushi Asukezuri thick shaved pieces have a Smokey taste full of umami that is the flavor backbone of traditional Japanese cooking. This fantastic umami packed accent is critical for making dashi and sauces. Katsuobushi Asukezuri’s thickness (over 0.2mm) makes it used often when making a braise with fully seasoned rich flavored Dashi. Also used as an ingredient in Seafood and pasta dishes.