Yamada Fermented Soy Bean - Kotsubu Mini 4 Natto 4x40g

A.What is natto? It is a traditional Japanese food made from fermented soybeans, with a rich, savoury flavour and a sticky, stringy texture. This Yamada product is kotsubu natto, or small-grain natto: the soybeans are small and steamed for a long time, which gives a softer, easy-to-eat texture that suits people new to natto. In terms of taste, expect a nutty, savoury, slightly earthy flavour with a fermented aroma; the more you stir it, the milder and creamier it becomes. Each box contains four 40g portions of fermented soybeans, and every pack includes a sachet of kelp (kombu) dashi sauce and a sachet of Japanese mustard for seasoning. The four-pack format lets you use one fresh portion at a time rather than opening a large container. It is supplied frozen, so keep it frozen until use; once defrosted, keep it refrigerated and eat within 24 hours, and do not refreeze. It contains soybeans, mustard, wheat and shiitake, so check the allergen information before eating. As a convenient, single-serve introduction to natto, it suits both first-timers and regular eaters, and the small grains make it easy to mix and enjoy.

A.Defrost it first, then season and serve. This natto is supplied frozen, so move a pack to the fridge and let it thaw before eating. If you are wondering how to eat natto, open a 40g portion, add the included kelp dashi sauce and as much Japanese mustard as you like, then stir briskly for 20–30 seconds until it develops its sticky threads and a milder, creamier flavour. The most common natto recipe is the simplest: spoon it over hot steamed rice (natto gohan), often with chopped spring onion, a little soy sauce and a raw or soft-boiled egg. It can also be used in sushi (natto maki), stirred through noodles, added to miso soup, or spread on toast. Each 40g pack is a single serving, which is convenient and reduces waste. Once defrosted, keep it refrigerated, consume within 24 hours, and do not refreeze. It contains soybeans, mustard, wheat and shiitake, so check the allergen information before serving. Prepared this way, it is quick to put together for a simple meal or protein-rich topping, and the small grains make it easy to mix.

A.Yes, on both counts. As a food, natto is a traditional fermented soybean product and a long-standing part of the Japanese diet, and it is also straightforward to get in the UK. Among the natto benefits, it is naturally rich in plant protein, at around 13.9g per 100g, provides fibre, and is low in sugar, and it is suitable for vegetarians. These are general points rather than medical claims, so enjoy it as part of a varied, balanced diet. Natto can be hard to find in ordinary supermarkets, which is why it is useful to know it is stocked in the UK and supplied frozen so it keeps well. This Yamada product is a kotsubu (small-grain) four-pack of 40g servings, which makes it convenient for natto UK shoppers who want to try it or keep a steady supply. Each pack includes kelp dashi sauce and Japanese mustard, so no extra ingredients are needed to prepare it. It contains soybeans, mustard, wheat and shiitake, so always check the allergen information before eating. Once defrosted, keep it refrigerated and consume within 24 hours, and do not refreeze. The milder texture of the small grains makes it an approachable place to start.