
Most miso pastes contain ethyl alcohol to help preserve them during transport and storage. A Japanese seasoning made from fermented soybeans, miso paste is a mainstay in any Japanese kitchen and used to flavor dishes such as miso soup, spreads and sauces, and pickled vegetables and meats. Easily burnt off through cooking, the alcohol works as a natural preservative to prevent the formation of surface mold on the miso paste and to stop the fermentation process.
Alcohol in Miso Paste
A natural preservative found in both wine and liquor, ethyl alcohol is added to miso paste right before packaging. As the leading preservation method for commercially sold miso paste, ethyl alcohol is allowed to make up 2 percent by weight of the finished product. Along with protecting the quality of the product, alcohol also helps to prevent swelling in the polyethylene bags used to package miso. The alcohol cooks away during food preparation or heating to the boiling point. If you are unable to consume alcohol, shop for Halal versions of miso paste that use other preservation methods, available online and at specialty retailers.
Related Articles

Okara Nutrition
How to Make Alcohol at Home

How to Clean Scuffed Up Rain Boots

How to Prepare Toothpaste From Baking ...

How to Freeze Tzatziki
What Is the Nutritional Value of Wheat?
How to Remove Crayola Paint From ...

How to Make a Fruit Reduction

Cellophane vs. Polypropylene

The Difference Between Fruit Juice & ...

Ingredients in Becherovka

How to Legally Change Your Name When ...

Fiber in Soybeans

What Is an Obagi Blender?

The Ingredients in Triple Paste Diaper ...

How to Make a Lip Mask for Extremely ...

How Many Calories Are in Peanut M&Ms?

How to Get Nail Glue Off of Your Skin

Calories In Maltesers

Will Cream of Tartar Whiten Teeth?
References
Resources
Writer Bio
Based in Portland, Ore., Maxine Wallace is a writer with more than 12 years of experience. With a bachelor's degree in journalism and experience working on marketing campaigns for large media agencies, she is well-versed in multiple industries including the Internet, cooking, gardening, health, fitness, travel and holistic living.
Photo Credits
Ryan McVay/Photodisc/Getty Images