Koji Basics: Japanese Fermentation Class

COOKING CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

Discover Koji, the fermentation culture behind Japanese cuisine. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll make your own seasonings and take home over $27 worth of koji-based products. Experience how fermentation enhances flavor and nutrition through guided tastings and demos. This class focuses on making Koji seasonings rather than a full meal. Your batches will finish fermenting at home, with guidance to confidently recreate them. WHAT YOU'LL EXPERIENCE: 1. The Koji Story Learn the basics of Japanese fermentation and how Koji is used to create many beloved ingredients, including miso, soy sauce, sake, mirin, and vinegar. 2. Umami Tasting Experience Discover how Koji transforms flavor through a guided tasting: • Soy sauce vs. soy sauce koji with tofu
 • Salt pickles vs. salt koji pickles
 • Ama koji vs. sugar in traditional spinach goma-ae (sesame seed mix) You’ll experience firsthand how fermentation enhances depth, sweetness, and umami. Steamed rice and miso soup will be served so you can enjoy the flavors of Koji in a simple and traditional way. 3. Make Your Own Koji Seasonings Each participant will prepare and take home: • Salt Koji
 • Soy Sauce Koji (or Tamari Koji with additional fee) These will continue fermenting at home, and you’ll learn multiple fermentation methods using tools such as a yogurt maker, sous vide, or natural room-temperature fermentation Ama (Sweet) Koji (Demonstration Only) - you’ll take home a ready-to-use batch to enjoy its natural sweetness right away. 4. Amazake Latte Experience Enjoy the gentle, natural sweetness of amazake—no added sugar. Whisk matcha or brew hojicha to create your own delicious, gut-friendly latte with plant-based milk. ======= CLASS POLICIES To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, please review the following class policies - Minimum Enrollment: Classes require at least 6 participants. If a class doesn’t meet the minimum, it will be canceled 48 hours before the start time and a full refund will be issued. - Open to ages 14+; participants 17 and under must attend with an adult. - Cancellations: Refunds are available if canceled or rescheduled at least 48 hours before the class start time. - Allergies: Ingredients may vary; please confirm allergies before booking. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: • Learn the foundation of Japanese flavor
 • Understand how fermentation enhances umami and nutrition
 • Make authentic Koji seasonings you can use at home