{"product_id":"organic-dry-black-soybeans","title":"Black Soy Bean","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDry and Shelled · Available in 3 lb and 5 lb Boxes\u003c\/strong\u003e · \u003cstrong\u003e2026 Harvest\u003c\/strong\u003e · \u003cstrong\u003eShips Nationwide\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOur Organic Black Soybeans are certified organic and grown at Norwich Meadows Farm in Norwich, New York, from seed we source from Japan.\u003c\/strong\u003e These distinctive soybeans have dark skins, a rich, nutty flavor, and a firm, satisfying texture when cooked. They are a versatile pantry ingredient for everyday meals, traditional Japanese preparations, and home fermentation projects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThese soybeans are from our 2026 harvest and arrive fully dried and removed from their pods. There are no pods included—the selected box weight is entirely dry soybeans.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eEnjoy them simmered with savory seasonings, tossed into grain bowls and salads, or prepared as kuromame, the sweet-simmered black soybeans traditionally served for the Japanese New Year. They can also be used in fermentation projects such as black soybean miso, natto, and tempeh when prepared with the appropriate cultures and methods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThese are black soybeans, a different bean from the black turtle beans commonly used in Latin American cooking. They are grown in New York from Japanese-sourced seed and sold for cooking and eating—not for use as seeds or plants.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eChoose Your Box Size\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3 lb Box — Dry and Shelled\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA practical quantity for home cooking, soups, salads, traditional Japanese recipes, and small fermentation projects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e5 lb Box — Dry and Shelled\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA larger quantity for batch cooking, fermentation projects, restaurant use, or stocking your pantry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlease note:\u003c\/strong\u003e The box contains dry, shelled soybeans only—no pods—and the selected weight is the net weight of the edible dry soybeans.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat Do They Taste Like?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBlack soybeans have a rich, mildly sweet, nutty flavor and a substantial texture. When fully cooked, they become tender while retaining a pleasant bite, making them useful in dishes where you want the beans to hold their shape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThey pair well with ginger, garlic, scallions, mushrooms, sesame, soy sauce, miso, rice, and seasonal vegetables. Their gentle sweetness also lends itself to sweet-simmered preparations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eJapanese Seed, New York Grown\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWe source the seed for these black soybeans from Japan and grow the crop organically at Norwich Meadows Farm in Norwich, New York.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBlack soybeans are known in Japan as kuromame. One of their best-known preparations is a dish of the same name: beans slowly simmered in a sweetened liquid until tender and glossy. Traditionally part of Japanese New Year celebrations, this preparation is also a delicious way to enjoy black soybeans throughout the year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eBlack Soybeans for Fermentation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBlack soybeans offer an interesting starting point for home fermentation. With the right preparation and culture, they can be transformed into savory foods with deep flavor and distinctive textures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBlack soybean miso:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cooked black soybeans can be combined with koji and salt, then aged according to a reliable miso recipe to develop a rich, savory paste for soups, dressings, marinades, and sauces.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNatto:\u003c\/strong\u003e Thoroughly cooked black soybeans can be fermented with a natto starter culture to develop natto’s characteristic sticky texture and bold flavor. Bean size and variety affect the process, so use instructions suited to black soybeans.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTempeh:\u003c\/strong\u003e Black soybeans can be used for tempeh with an appropriate tempeh starter. Preparation generally includes soaking, removing the hulls, cooking, and carefully draining and drying the beans before inoculation and controlled fermentation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFor fermentation:\u003c\/strong\u003e These beans are dry and unfermented; starter cultures are not included. Follow a reliable recipe and your starter supplier’s instructions for preparation, sanitation, temperature, timing, and storage. Each fermentation requires its own method—soaking beans alone does not produce miso, natto, or tempeh.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eHow to Use Them\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKuromame, or Japanese sweet-simmered black soybeans\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlack soybean miso and other fermentation projects\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSavory beans with ginger, garlic, and scallions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRice bowls and mixed-grain dishes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWarm or chilled bean salads\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSoups and vegetable stews\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCooked beans tossed with sesame oil and seasonal vegetables\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eHow to Prepare Them\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSort and rinse the dry soybeans before cooking. Cover with plenty of water and soak overnight, allowing room for the beans to expand. Drain and rinse after soaking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePlace the soaked beans in a pot and cover generously with fresh water. Bring to a full boil, then reduce the heat and simmer gently until fully tender. Allow approximately 2–3 hours, although cooking time varies with the beans, soaking time, and desired texture. Add water as needed to keep the beans submerged.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor kuromame or fermentation projects, follow the preparation and cooking directions in your chosen recipe. Soybeans should be thoroughly cooked before eating or using in a fermentation that calls for cooked beans.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eHow to Store Them\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eStore these dry soybeans in an airtight container in a cool, dry, dark place. Protect them from moisture to preserve their flavor and cooking quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eRefrigerate cooked soybeans promptly in a covered container and use within 3–4 days. For longer storage, freeze in meal-sized portions with a little cooking liquid. Store fermented preparations according to the recipe and starter supplier’s directions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCertified Organic and Farm-Grown\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eEvery box contains certified organic black soybeans from our 2026 harvest, grown, harvested, shelled, and dried at Norwich Meadows Farm in Norwich, New York, from seed sourced from Japan.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAllergen information: Contains soy.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eShipping \u0026amp; Delivery\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHarvest Availability:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAvailable while supplies from our 2026 harvest last.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOur dry black soybeans ship nationwide. At checkout, please select your preferred available delivery date.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShipping Schedule:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e• Order by Thursday at 12 PM Eastern Time → Ships Monday\u003cbr\u003e• Order by Sunday at 12 PM Eastern Time → Ships Wednesday\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOrders generally arrive the following day. If a shipping or delivery date falls on a holiday, your box will ship on the next available shipping day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eExplore more varieties: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/norwichmeadowsfarm.com\/collections\/farm-grown-dry-beans\"\u003eShop All Organic Dry Beans\u003c\/a\u003e, or \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/norwichmeadowsfarm.com\/products\/organic-dry-shelling-beans-box\"\u003eBuild Your Own 5 lb Dry Bean Box\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Norwich Meadows Farm","offers":[{"title":"3 lb Box — Dry Shelled","offer_id":67710532583725,"sku":"PPBSB3-8","price":42.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"5 lb Box — Dry Shelled","offer_id":67710532616493,"sku":"PPBSB5-8","price":65.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0713\/0592\/0813\/files\/IMG_4092.jpg?v=1792874176","url":"https:\/\/norwichmeadowsfarm.com\/products\/organic-dry-black-soybeans","provider":"Norwich Meadows Farm","version":"1.0","type":"link"}