Notice of Package Design Changes
Starting from March 2025, we will gradually update the package design. The new design will make it easier to distinguish between different variations of the product.
The shape or functionality of the bag will remain the same, and there will be no changes to the contents or volume, so please rest assured.
Please note that the packaging will gradually change, and specific designs cannot be requested. Thank you for your understanding.
Nutritionist’s Recommendation #1: Less Tough Texture in Brown Rice
Nutritionist
Yurie Ando
Improved Version: Now More Delicious, Safe, and Convenient
Organic Fermented Brown Rice (Koso Genmai) is made from organic brown rice, organic black rice, with some organic adzuki beans and organic salt koji, then letting it sit for 2-3 days to ferment.
The main feature of Organic Fermented Brown Rice (Koso Genmai) is its texture. After fermenting, the brown rice becomes chewy and easy to eat, making it enjoyable for everyone, from children to elderly people.
This product has been meticulously developed with a strong focus on our customers' health and beauty needs. If you care about beauty and health, or want to take good care of your family’s health, we hope many people will try this Organic Fermented Brown Rice. We've packed this love into every pouch.
Made from Heartful Ingredients
Organic Brown Rice (Okayama Prefecture)
The main ingredient in enzyme-fermented brown rice is "Nikomaru," a type of organic brown rice with a great chewy texture.
This rice is cultivated without the use of pesticides or chemical fertilizers, and is certified organic by JAS (Japan Agricultural Standards). It is safe and healthy.
Organic Black Rice (Kagoshima and Kumamoto Prefectures)
This black rice is produced by farmers who have been practicing organic farming for over 15 years. It is cultivated without the use of pesticides or chemical fertilizers.
It is also known as "ancient rice," as it has been a staple food in Japan since the ancient Jomon period.
Organic Red Beans (Hokkaido Prefecture)
We use only the rare, organic adzuki beans, known for their difficult cultivation, sourced from the Offibira Farm in Hokkaido. Grown in the beautiful, pristine air of a vast, mountainous region, these beans are rich in flavor.
These beans are grown without pesticides or chemical fertilizers, and their natural taste is carefully preserved. Enjoy the rich flavor of these beans, carefully prepared in our enzyme-fermented brown rice.
Organic Brown Rice Salt-Koji (Made in Japan)
This organic salt-koji is made from fermented brown rice, resulting in a sweet, savory flavor and a mild, well-rounded saltiness.
The salt content is kept under 1%, making it a good choice for those mindful of their salt intake.
More Delicious with the "Two-Step Fermentation Stand Pouch Method"
One of the issues with Organic Fermented Brown Rice (Koso Genmai) is that it tends to harden when it cools down, losing both flavor and texture. However, thanks to our improvement technique of the "Two-Step Fermentation Stand Pouch Method," we've solved this problem.
By adding extra steps during the fermentation process, we ensure the rice stays soft and flavorful even after cooling down post-heating.
We invite you to try the difference in texture and taste.
The World's First "Organic" Enzyme Fermented Brown Rice, Made with Only Organic Ingredients
We use "Hokkaido Organic Adzuki Beans," which are particularly difficult to cultivate, in generous amounts. By combining this rare adzuki bean with high-quality brown rice and black rice that are harvested in limited quantities, we’ve created a rich flavor you won’t find elsewhere.
To complete the Organic Fermented Brown Rice (Koso Genmai), we worked with curated farmers to source these precious crops. Please try this rare organic koso genmai and taste the difference.
Product Flavor Variations
Organic Koso Genmai is available in four flavor variations. Please check each product's pages below.
Full of Fiber, Vitamins, and GABA for Beauty and Health
Organic Fermented Brown Rice (Koso Genmai) is packed with nutrients that help with health maintenance and beauty.
It contains vitamins, minerals, essential amino acids, and fiber, as well as GABA, which is known to help with stress and fatigue.
Perfect for those who want to keep their health in check, and also for those looking for natural relief from stress and fatigue.
Nutritionist’s Recommendation #2: Rich in Nutrients
Nutritionist
Yurie Ando
Perfect for Replacing White Rice in Your Diet: 150g Per Serving
Organic Fermented Brown Rice (Koso Genmai) is packaged in stand-up pouches, providing exactly one serving of 150g, which is easy for women to enjoy.
Brown rice is known for being filling, so replacing your usual white rice with brown rice can help adjust your portion sizes and improve your meals.
Remains Soft and Chewy Even After Cooling, Perfect for Bento or Rice Balls
The convenient pouch packaging allows you to enjoy Organic Fermented Brown Rice (Koso Genmai) anywhere, whether at home, in your lunch box, or as rice balls. It can be eaten at room temperature, but heating it will bring out even more flavor.
Nutritionist’s Recommendation #3: Easy to Eat Even After Cooling
Nutritionist
Yurie Ando
30+ Months Storage with Stand Pouch Method
With a shelf life of over 30 months at room temperature, this product is great for long-term storage, like emergency supplies. You can also keep it in your office as a nutritious staple food.
About Expiration Date Label
Due to our factory’s manufacturing process, the expiration date may appear on an additional label. Please rest assured that the information on the label is accurate. Expired Date format is YYYY/MM (Japanese Format).
Brown Rice with High Nutrients, Now in Chewy Texture
*Based on 150g per serving. The percentage is compared to white rice when brown rice is 100
*Source: Japanese Food Standard Nutrient Database 2015
*Reference: "Detox Enzyme Fermented Brown Rice Diet" by Huka Okamoto (Shufu-no-Tomo-sha)
Based on the picture, we can see the "Comparison Chart of Key Nutrients in Brown Rice and White Rice". Brown rice is reported to have the composition of Iron: 0.9mg; Carbohydrates 53.4g; Protein: 4.2g; Fat: 1.5g; Dietary Fiber: 2.1g; Vitamin B1: 0.24mg; Vitamin B2: 0.03mg; Vitamin E: 0.8mg; Potassium: 143mg; Calcium: 11mg; Magnesium: 74mg; and Zinc: 1.2mg.
Organic Fermented Brown Rice (Koso Genmai) is made with nutritious brown rice, offering a rich supply of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The calorie content is almost the same as white rice, but the nutritional difference is significant.
If you've thought that "brown rice is tough and hard to eat," try it now and experience the soft, chewy texture and delightful taste. Turn your meals into healthier and more satisfying options!
Flavorfully Fermented with Salt Koji for a Long Time, with Minimal Salt
Salt Koji enzymes break down starches and proteins, bringing out the natural sweetness and umami in the ingredients. When combined with brown rice and grains, the fermentation process enhances the taste. The balanced saltiness of the salt koji ensures that the product remains delicious without being overly salty, making it suitable for daily consumption.
Organic Brown Rice from "Nikomaru" Grown in Okayama
The main ingredient in enzyme-fermented brown rice is "Nikomaru," a type of organic brown rice with a great chewy texture.
Grown without pesticides or chemical fertilizers, it’s a safe and healthy choice for all.
Organic Adzuki Beans from "Erimo Adzuki" in Hokkaido
Organic adzuki beans, known for their difficult cultivation, are sourced from the Offibira Farm in Hokkaido.
These beans are grown without pesticides or chemical fertilizers, and their natural taste is carefully preserved. Enjoy the rich flavor of these beans, carefully prepared in our enzyme-fermented brown rice.
Organic Black Rice from Kumamoto
Our organic black rice is from a farm in Kumamoto. This farm focuses on natural farming methods, growing high-quality rice without chemical fertilizers or pesticides.
Organic Black Rice from Ibaraki
This organic black rice comes from a farm in Ibaraki, where they avoid the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and instead use manual labor and organic methods to grow high-quality rice.
Rated by Dr. Kubota from a Beauty & Health Perspective
It is clear that brown rice is good for beauty and health, but if it isn’t tasty, it’s hard to keep eating it.
When I first tried enzyme-fermented brown rice, it was so delicious that I even checked the label to see if it was really brown rice. It gave the same level of satisfaction as white rice. Since beauty and health require consistency, it is wonderful to have something delicious and easy to continue. Most brown rice I’ve tried before was bitter and dry, so I could only continue for 1–2 weeks, but this rice is easy and delicious even on days when cooking feels like a hassle.
Even my husband, who loves white rice and usually dislikes brown rice, asks, “Are we having brown rice today?” He really enjoys it, so it seems satisfying even for men.
Enzyme-fermented brown rice contains biotin, which helps maintain healthy skin, hair, and nails; dietary fiber, which helps remove unnecessary fats and toxins from the body; and GABA, which may help maintain skin elasticity. These beneficial nutrients are packed together in one bowl.
This product is recommended not only for those who want to eat properly and improve their beauty, but also for people who feel unwell due to a nutritionally imbalanced diet.
Staff Comments
Our impressions after eating it as lunch at Kawashima-ya's office.
Even when eaten at room temperature, it retains its chewy texture. I often eat it with curry; whether it's a thin, soup-like curry or a thicker, creamier one, it's delicious with both. It's also convenient for outdoor meals. Since it's easy to take with me, I often use it as a snack. (Staff K)
It's delicious whether heated or eaten cold. It goes well with curry, and in the summer, I like to top it with chopped tuna and grated daikon radish. I never get tired of eating it, even daily. I want to keep some in stock for emergencies, but I also want to eat it every day! (Staff 1)
I often buy some side dishes like fish or hijiki seaweed from the convenience store and eat them with it. I don't have to make a packed lunch, so it's great when I want something easy but healthy. (Staff T)
My favorite way to eat it is with spicy miso paste. I add pickled vegetables and miso soup to the fermented brown rice, and it's very satisfying. Since I started eating it, my mornings feel much more refreshing. (Staff)
Message from Kawashimaya
Our fermented brown rice has a deliciously chewy texture that's hard to resist! I've been eating it almost every day since I was about 3 years old, and once you try it, you'll find yourself craving it instead of regular rice. It's so satisfying, and it also keeps you feeling healthy.
However, cooking fermented brown rice can be quite difficult for those who live alone or don't have time to cook regularly. But we wanted to make it easier for everyone to enjoy this healthy, delicious rice every day! That's why we developed this product.
We've kept the price affordable, without adding any unnecessary costs, so it's easy to incorporate into your daily routine. We will continue to improve the taste, packaging, and price.
The Secret of Deliciousness: Two-Stage Fermentation & Pouch Packaging
Kawashimaya’s Organic Fermented Brown Rice (Koso Genmai) is prepared in our own factory using organic ingredients directly sourced from farmers. Each batch is carefully cooked by our skilled artisans. The product has gone through the First Stage of Fermentation and Second Stage of Fermentation with sterilized manufacturing.
The chewy texture and rich flavor come from our “Two-Stage Fermentation Stand Pouch Method.”
Experience the difference compared to regular enzyme-fermented brown rice for yourself.
How to Enjoy
You can enjoy it as is, but it tastes even better when heated. To warm, use a hot water bath or microwave.
【Microwave】 Heat the pouch upright with the steam vent facing up. About 2 minutes for 500W, or 1.5 minutes for 600W.
Precautions When Heating
Heating multiple pouches together in the microwave may result in uneven heating.
Please heat each pouch individually for best results.
【Hot Water Bath】 Heat the pouch as is, without opening, for about 3–4 minutes.
※When using a hot water bath, the label on the pouch may peel off and display outdated product information. The correct product information is always on the label itself, so rest assured.
【Enjoy As It Is】 Please open along the perforated line and enjoy!
【Move to A Bowl】 You can eat it directly from the pouch, or you can pour it into a bowl.
Recommended Recipes
Organic Fermented Brown Rice is already delicious on its own, but sometimes you may want to enjoy it in different flavors. Try various arrangements and enjoy its versatility.
Koso Genmai Brown Rice Soy Milk Potag
This vegetable-only potage is enhanced with the gentle thickness, flavor, and nutrition of enzyme brown rice. You can use various vegetables such as turnips, carrots, or sweet potatoes.
Ingredients（4 Servings）
- 1 Large onion
- 2-3 Turnips
- 1 Garlic clove
- 50g Organic Fermented Brown Rice
- 1 tbsp Butter
- 250cc Water
- 600cc Soy milk
- Salt (to taste)
Instructions
- Thinly slice the onion, turnips, and garlic.
- Heat a pot and add butter, then sauté the onion.
- Once the onion softens, add turnips and garlic and cook until coated in butter. Add koso genmai brown rice and water, cover, and simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Blend step 3 until smooth.
- Add soy milk to step 4 and season with salt. Optionally, add herbs or spices to taste.
Doria-style Koso Genmai Brown Rice
This is an easy dish perfect for when you want a slightly different flavor of koso genmai brown rice for a solo lunch. The taste is enhanced with garlic and black pepper, and you can also add vegetables like rapeseed flowers or asparagus for extra deliciousness.
Ingredients（1 Serving）
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 150g Organic Fermented Brown Rice
- 1 clove Garlic
- 50g Frozen Peeled Shrimp
- Salt (a pinch)
- Pepper (to taste)
- Cheese (to taste)
Instructions
- Heat a frying pan, add olive oil and garlic, and warm over low heat.
- Add the shrimp and sauté until everything is well combined. Season with salt and pepper, then add the koso genmai brown rice and lightly warm.
- Place step 2 on a plate, top with cheese, and grill until browned. Done!
Grilled Koso Genmai Brown Rice Balls
Crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, this dish lets you fully enjoy the deliciousness of koso genmai brown rice. You can also use butter or olive oil in a frying pan for a different taste experience.
Ingredients（1 Serving）
- 100g Organic Fermented Brown Rice
- 1 tsp Soy Sauce
- 1 tsp Mirin
Instructions
- Shape the koso genmai brown rice into rice balls.
- Heat in a toaster or fish grill and brown both sides.
- Brush with a sauce made of soy sauce and mirin, then grill again until browned. Done!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can infants and toddlers eat this?
Yes, 6+ months children can eat this. For children who do not have all their teeth yet, it is better to cook the rice as soft as possible to aid digestion.
How should I store leftovers?
If you try to store after reheating, it may spoil or lose texture. It's recommended to portion before reheating. Wrap the portions and store in the refrigerator or freezer. Reheat in the microwave before eating.
I heard enzymes are deactivated at 60–70°C. Can stored brown rice still be called enzyme brown rice?
It is said that enzymes deactivate above 60°C, but there are various theories and no definitive answer. Generally, brown rice (with adzuki beans) that is kept warm for 2–7 days after cooking is called koso genmai brown rice. At Kawashimaya, we use the name fermented brown rice. By fermenting with salt koji before cooking, protein components are converted into umami. The product’s name reflects the effect of enzymes on the rice.
Is it safe if enzyme brown rice arrives in hot weather via mail?
It has passed quality tests for high-temperature environments, so there is no concern. Consume as soon as possible after opening if warm. If you prefer, select EMS for faster shipment when ordering.
Product Details
| Product Details |
| Ingredients |
Organic brown rice, organic black rice, organic adzuki beans, organic salted rice koji |
| Net Weight |
150g |
| Origin |
Organic brown rice: Okayama Prefecture,
Organic black rice: Kumamoto Prefecture, Kagoshima Prefecture,
Organic adzuki beans: Hokkaido,
Organic salted rice malt: Japan |
| Storage Instructions |
Avoid direct sunlight and store at room temperature |
| Allergens |
None
Wheat, Buckwheat, Egg, Milk, Peanuts, Shrimp, Crab, Almond, Abalone, Squid, Salmon Roe, Orange, Cashew Nuts, Kiwi Fruit, Beef, Walnut, Sesame, Salmon, Mackerel, Soy, Chicken, Banana, Pork, Matsutake Mushroom, Peach, Yam, Apple, Gelatin
(28 items)
|
| Nutritional Information (per 100g) |
Energy: 136 kcal, Protein: 3.1 g, Fat: 1 g, Carbohydrates: 28.7 g, Salt equivalent: 0.2 g |
The Organic Fermented Brown Rice (Koso Genmai) has a softer texture compared to the typical tough and hard-to-eat brown rice. It has a chewy texture, making it easier to enjoy like red bean rice. The ingredients are simple, so it pairs well with side dishes. The gentle salty flavor from the salt koji also adds a nice taste, making it easy to enjoy on its own or with other dishes.