Japan’s Award-Winning Tsumari Chamame Edamame Launches Naturally Brewed Additive-Free Miso

Tsumari Chamame is a brown edamame variety that has twice been rated Japan’s best at the National Edamame Championship. In addition to selling freshly harvested beans as fresh produce, Yanagi Nousan has also developed frozen products that use freezing technology to let customers enjoy the seasonal flavor year-round. However, because agricultural products are affected by weather and harvest conditions, it is not always possible to deliver every crop in optimal fresh condition. Tsumari Chamame Miso was developed as a new way to make use of that value, focusing on fermentation as the key method. Tsumari Chamame Miso is made with the award-winning chamame beans, Koshihikari rice from Uonuma, and the fermentation environment of a Niigata brewery, matured over 11 months. Rather than treating it merely as a seasoning, the product was designed to serve as a foundation for cooking and as a “background” that enhances the main ingredients. The beans are Tsumari Chamame, twice recognized as Japan’s best at the National Edamame Championship, known for their rich aroma, sweetness, and deep umami. The koji is made with 100% Uonuma-grown Koshihikari rice and a high koji ratio, enabling stable fermentation even with lower salt content while drawing out a clean sweetness. The water and brewery environment in Niigata allow the miso to mature through the four seasons, creating a layered flavor. The salt content is set at 9%. This is not simply for reduced salt, but to maximize the aroma and sweetness of the chamame while preserving the delicate flavor of dashi. Through 11 months of natural brewing across a full seasonal cycle, the miso achieves stable fermentation despite its lower salt level, resulting in a mellow and deep taste. It is additive-free and made without alcohol, relying solely on natural fermentation. The company also continues to sell frozen Tsumari Chamame year-round, processed immediately after harvest to preserve freshness and flavor. Reservations have also begun for the 2026 fresh harvest of Tsumari Chamame, with deliveries scheduled according to harvest timing and the first shipments expected in late July. Product details: Tsumari Chamame Miso, 750g, priced at 1,998 yen including tax as a limited price using chamame harvested in 2024. It is scheduled for release on May 14 and is produced through natural brewing without additives. Going forward, Tsumari Chamame will expand beyond fresh and frozen products into the new field of fermentation. The company plans to continue developing diverse products that make use of the ingredient’s distinctive qualities and broaden its appeal and potential.