What is Fukimiso?

蕗味噌 (ふきみそ, fukimiso) is a traditional Japanese condiment made by combining fuki (butterbur shoots) with miso paste. The butterbur plant is a type of edible wild mountain vegetable, or sansai, that has a slightly bitter, earthy flavor.

To make fukimiso, the young shoots of the fuki plant are finely chopped and then sautéed, often with ingredients like sake, sugar, and mirin, before being mixed into miso paste. The result is a rich, flavorful paste that combines the bitterness of the butterbur with the savory umami of miso.

Fukimiso is commonly used as a topping for rice or as a seasoning in various dishes. It’s known for its strong, slightly bitter taste and is often enjoyed in spring when butterbur shoots are harvested.

I recommend to try and taste Fukimiso when you visit Nagano. You can enjoy it’s harmony!