A naturally refreshing and fatigue-relieving healthy drink! Ryukyu fermented vinegar.

Many people have heard that Okinawans are known for their longevity, largely thanks to the region's natural and healthy ingredients. Besides lemon and shiitake mushrooms, today we'll introduce another famous Okinawan health drink – Ryukyu fermented vinegar. Ryukyu fermented vinegar has recently become a hot topic, with production increasing year by year. Its main components, citric acid and amino acids, can help relieve fatigue, replenish energy, and give busy people a boost!

What is fermented vinegar?

Wortsu is a healthy beverage made from wort , an extract produced during the brewing of Okinawan distilled spirits called "Awamori." It has simple ingredients and is rich in nutrients. It contains no alcohol and is classified as a refreshing beverage in Japan. Although named "vinegar," it contains almost no acetic acid; instead, it is rich in essential amino acids and citric acid, which helps relieve fatigue and stress. It is recommended for people who value beauty and health in their daily lives.

The flavor of fermented rice vinegar (laocu) primarily comes from citric acid, giving it a rich, citrus-like tartness. Compared to rice vinegar and black vinegar, which are made through acetic acid fermentation, laocu has a milder, less harsh taste and is easier to drink. Some laocu also incorporates brown sugar, honey, and other ingredients to enhance its flavor and aroma, making it suitable for children and the elderly. In recent years, laocu has been hailed as one of Okinawa's "superfoods" and is frequently used in cooking, beverages, and smoothies. Rich in amino acids and citric acid, it's ideal for post-workout consumption to combat fatigue, and has thus become a popular sports drink.

Production process

Ryukyu malt vinegar uses malt as its raw material. Malt is made from Thai rice koji, which is fermented with water and yeast. The liquid extracted after distillation and pressing of the malt is then aged to become the famous awamori. This technique has been passed down in Okinawa for 600 years, brewed solely using the power of nature. The residue left after pressing the malt is sake lees, which is then pressed and filtered to produce malt vinegar.

Okinawa has a warm climate, with summer-like weather all year round. Black koji mold is indispensable for brewing awamori (wamō vinegar). Even though Okinawa is very humid and hot, black koji mold can inhibit bacterial growth and make the rice koji more concentrated. Black koji mold also produces citric acid and amino acids during fermentation, which are the source of awamori's rich nutrition and the reason why it is considered a healthy drink.

Nutrition and Efficacy

The main components of fermented vinegar are citric acid and amino acids. Citric acid is found in citrus fruits, vinegar, and other products, characterized by its refreshing sour taste and rich fruity aroma. Citric acid can break down lactic acid accumulated during fatigue, effectively relieving fatigue, so it is recommended to drink it after exercise or when feeling tired. Furthermore, citric acid plays a crucial role in the "citric acid cycle," an energy metabolism process that converts sugars, proteins, and lipids from food into energy, replenishing the body's energy reserves. Citric acid also has benefits such as skin beautification, improved blood flow, enhanced digestion, and muscle strengthening.

Amino acids are nutrients that make up proteins, which are the foundation of structures such as muscles, bones, skin, and blood. Fermented vinegar contains 18 amino acids, including 9 essential amino acids. Essential amino acids cannot be synthesized by the human body and must be obtained through food; even a deficiency of one can prevent the body from maintaining normal function. The abundant amino acids in fermented vinegar can replenish nutrients, effectively strengthen muscles, and burn fat.

Fermented vinegar also contains abundant vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial components, including:

• Eliminate fatigue
• Boost immunity
• Reduce visceral fat
• Promote good sleep
• Lower blood pressure
• Beauty benefits
• Preventing heatstroke
• Reduce edema

Fermented Vinegar Fair Mark

The "Fair Tasting and Certification Council" is an organization certified by the Consumer Affairs Department and the Fair Tasting and Certification Commission. The "Fair Tasting Mark" issued by this organization is a symbol of trust, and only products that meet multiple strict standards can obtain this mark.

The "Sign of Fairness" represents:

• This product has a vinegar purity of 75% or higher.
• This mark is "proof of peace of mind" (recommended by the Fermented Vinegar Fair Tasting Council).
• Only fermented rice wine made using the rice wine from Okinawa's "Awamori" (a type of rice wine) can be called "Ryukyu Fermented Rice Wine" or "Okinawa Fermented Rice Wine" as product names.
• Fermented vinegar is a refreshing beverage that you can drink with peace of mind.
  

How to drink

Drink 1-3 cups a day, about 30ml each time. You can add it to juice or milk, or dilute it with water or soda water according to your personal preference.

It's best to drink it in the morning or evening, as the digestive system is more active after meals, making it easier to absorb. You can also drink it after exercise or when you feel tired.

September 3rd is Ryukyu Vinegar Day !

Ryukyu Mouchi Day (琉球もろみ酢の日) was established by the Mouchi Fair Trading Association and is derived from the Japanese word "kuen-sao" (クエン酸) , the main component of mouchi. The day was recognized by the Japan Memorial Days Association in 2012 for its importance as a symbol of Okinawan culture and health awareness, aiming to promote mouchi, a healthy beverage with distinctive Okinawan characteristics, and encourage people to maintain good health.

Our shop's fermented vinegar

Northern Liuxing Okinawa Black Koji Vinegar (Unsweetened) 720ml

Made with 100% pure natural rice koji without any added seasonings, it is also very low in calories.

Chunghyo Shuzo Brown sugar black yeast rice vinegar  900ml

It incorporates Okinawan brown sugar, making the flavor smoother and easier to drink. Approximately 6 million units have been sold over 15 years, making it a popular choice.

Kenshi Okinawa Black Koji Vinegar  900ml

The addition of green papaya extract and Okinawa brown sugar makes the flavor milder and easier to drink. Green papaya extract contains vitamins A and C , various enzymes, and other nutrients, and can also aid in weight loss.