Benimosu (Purple Sweet Potato Vinegar) - 120 ml

Benimosu is an intriguing Japanese vinegar with a remarkable deep strawberry hue and a pleasantly acidic taste and aroma, reminiscent of a fine sherry vinegar.

Benimosu is made from purple sweet potatoes, brought by the Portuguese to Japan centuries ago. Known in Japan as the "Okinawa sweet potato," it was originally cultivated there on Japan's southernmost islands. Eventually, because of its unique color and flavor, the purple sweet potato spread north into the main Japan island chain.

Benimosu production begins with steamed sweet potato, which is chopped and mixed with koji-inoculated rice, water and yeast. After a week of primary fermentation, a stunning bright strawberry liquor is produced to which is introduced the aceobacter "mother" culture. After three months, the result is a unique and wonderfully aromatic vinegar which is then aged for a year before bottling.

Benimosu is excellent for savory dishes and sauces, and stews and for salads, pickles and sushi rice preparations. In addition to wonderful flavor, benimosu adds a very pleasing hue to all dishes.