甘酒 (あまざけ) Amazake (pronounced ah-mah-zah-kay) is in the family of traditional Japanese foods made from Koji (cultured rice) that includes miso, soy sauce, tamari, and sake.
Koji is added to the cooled whole grain rice causing enzymes to break down the carbohydrates into simpler sugars (not refined). As the mixture incubates, the natural sweetness develops, creating a nectar-like beverage.
One basic recipe for Amazake drink has been used by the Japanese people for hundreds of years. In the past, it was sold by street vendors wherever people gathered, and it is still popular at inns and teahouses. The drink is prepared by combining equal parts of Amazake and water and heating it to a simmer. It is served piping hot, often topped with a pinch of finely grated ginger root.
It can be used as a dessert, snack, natural sweetening agent, baby food, salad dressing, kephir or smoothie.
Containing no alcohol, Amazake is a beverage that has no additives, preservatives, added sugars or salts.
It contains nearly all the superior nutritional benefits of brown rice.