Katsuobushi (Japanese: 鰹節) is dried, fermented, and smoked skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis). It is also known as bonito flakes when young bonito is used as a cheaper substitute for skipjack tuna. Katsuobushi or similarly prepared fish is also known as okaka (おかか).

Shaved Katsuobushi and dried kelp – kombu – are the main ingredients of dashi, a broth that forms the basis of many soups (such as miso) and sauces (e.g., soba no tsukejiru) in Japanese cuisine.

Katsuobushi’s distinct umami taste comes from its high inosinic acid content. Traditionally made katsuobushi, known as karebushi, is deliberately fermented with Aspergillus glaucus fungus in order to reduce moisture. Katsuobushi has also been shown to impart a kokumi flavour.

JPDSS04884 Katsuo Bushi 500g Seasonings & Spices Yamahide Dry 4903123410137 5 500g 까쯔오 부시

Japanese sesame paste (neri goma) is a thick, puree made from pure roasted sesame seeds. This standup pouch neri goma, both black and white, is manufactured using the finest sesame seeds to produce a unique butter-like paste that is highly aromatic and has a rich nutty flavor.