what does miso taste like

Miso is a fermented soybean paste from Japan that is used as a seasoning throughout Asian cuisine. It is typically found in soups, salad dressings, pickles, and marinades, and is even one of the crucial ingredients in soy sauce. The paste is made from fermented soybeans and barley or rice malt. Miso ranges in color from pale tan to reddish to very dark brown, and the flavor varies along with it. Generally, miso tastes salty, tangy, and savory on its own, with a deep savory flavor that is largely umami. It has a thick paste texture that is similar to a less oily nut butter. Lighter varieties tend to have more sweetness, while darker miso is fermented for longer for a stronger, funkier, and saltier flavor. Miso is the ultimate reference point for the flavor sensation known as umami.