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geekhack Community => Off Topic => Topic started by: dante on Sun, 15 March 2015, 20:43:41

Title: Natto: How the hell do you choke it down?
Post by: dante on Sun, 15 March 2015, 20:43:41
So I recently had the opportunity to try Natto at a Sushi restaurant.

 :-X

I went into it hoping i would like it because I hear it's healthy ... I don't know how to exactly describe it - it reminded me of a food version of medicine or antibiotics combined with some alcohol notes.

In fact it was so horrible I couldn't believe it - that people would pay for it; and ordered another couple pieces of Natto sushi and tried to concentrate to understand what everyone else was tasting...  :eek:

So if you are enjoying natto - how are you dealing with this?  I sincerely want to add it to my diet but not sure how to doctor it up.
Title: Re: Natto: How the hell do you choke it down?
Post by: tp4tissue on Sun, 15 March 2015, 21:18:32
Many foods are actually "foul" tasting but due to exposure, you may eventually garner enough positive association to "like it"

For example Beer..  it is NOT delicious, it's bitter, it smells like putrid water, because It is putrid water..

However, because you drink it and get DRUNK, and often do it in a place with cute girls who are also doing it,  eventually you like it..

Title: Re: Natto: How the hell do you choke it down?
Post by: tbc on Sun, 15 March 2015, 21:36:15
Many foods are actually "foul" tasting but due to exposure, you may eventually garner enough positive association to "like it"

For example Beer..  it is NOT delicious, it's bitter

this
Title: Re: Natto: How the hell do you choke it down?
Post by: SpAmRaY on Sun, 15 March 2015, 21:39:29
I've always wanted to try natto.

There are many foods I didn't used to like that I now enjoy. I've been into kimchi lately.
Title: Re: Natto: How the hell do you choke it down?
Post by: Novus on Sun, 15 March 2015, 21:57:26
I had natto in Japan before.

As a tourist I can stomach, normally meh
Title: Re: Natto: How the hell do you choke it down?
Post by: Asininity on Sun, 15 March 2015, 22:20:55
Many foods are actually "foul" tasting but due to exposure, you may eventually garner enough positive association to "like it"

For example Beer..  it is NOT delicious, it's bitter, it smells like putrid water, because It is putrid water..

However, because you drink it and get DRUNK, and often do it in a place with cute girls who are also doing it,  eventually you like it..



I'd disagree with using beer as an example. There is a significant variety of beers and flavors. I would also disagree with calling it putrid water. Last time I checked beer wasn't made with water from dirty streams unless if it has Budweiser on the bottle. One of the reasons beer was popular was because of dirty water. You are also making the generalization that the only reason people enjoy beer is for its intoxicated effects but last time I checked plenty of people drink beer without the intention of becoming intoxicated and enjoy it.

As for natto, I don't care for it. Fermented soybeans isn't very appetizing for me.
Title: Re: Natto: How the hell do you choke it down?
Post by: engicoder on Sun, 15 March 2015, 22:30:37
Many foods are actually "foul" tasting but due to exposure, you may eventually garner enough positive association to "like it"

For example Beer..  it is NOT delicious, it's bitter, it smells like putrid water, because It is putrid water..

However, because you drink it and get DRUNK, and often do it in a place with cute girls who are also doing it,  eventually you like it..



I'd disagree with using beer as an example. There is a significant variety of beers and flavors. I would also disagree with calling it putrid water. Last time I checked beer wasn't made with water from dirty streams unless if it has Budweiser on the bottle. One of the reasons beer was popular was because of dirty water. You are also making the generalization that the only reason people enjoy beer is for its intoxicated effects but last time I checked plenty of people drink beer without the intention of becoming intoxicated and enjoy it.

As for natto, I don't care for it. Fermented soybeans isn't very appetizing for me.

As opposed to fermented barley and wheat.  ;D
Title: Re: Natto: How the hell do you choke it down?
Post by: Asininity on Sun, 15 March 2015, 22:38:20
Many foods are actually "foul" tasting but due to exposure, you may eventually garner enough positive association to "like it"

For example Beer..  it is NOT delicious, it's bitter, it smells like putrid water, because It is putrid water..

However, because you drink it and get DRUNK, and often do it in a place with cute girls who are also doing it,  eventually you like it..



I'd disagree with using beer as an example. There is a significant variety of beers and flavors. I would also disagree with calling it putrid water. Last time I checked beer wasn't made with water from dirty streams unless if it has Budweiser on the bottle. One of the reasons beer was popular was because of dirty water. You are also making the generalization that the only reason people enjoy beer is for its intoxicated effects but last time I checked plenty of people drink beer without the intention of becoming intoxicated and enjoy it.

As for natto, I don't care for it. Fermented soybeans isn't very appetizing for me.

As opposed to fermented barley and wheat.  ;D

Or sauerkraut! I like me some fermented cabbage. Legumes though, they don't work out so well.
Title: Re: Natto: How the hell do you choke it down?
Post by: noisyturtle on Sun, 15 March 2015, 23:00:47
You don't, it's ****ing gross. Why would you put that foul garbage in your mouth? It's really just for old Asian people in their 70s and 80s, just like piss-soaked eggs and stinky tofu.

Oh and durian, et's not forget durian. But compared to natto and stinky tofu it's like a warm summer breeze.... blowing over a garbage dump.
Title: Re: Natto: How the hell do you choke it down?
Post by: paicrai on Sun, 15 March 2015, 23:47:11
choke it down like a ****
im not experienced with natto but i assume it works somewhat the same since you said "choke it down"
Title: Re: Natto: How the hell do you choke it down?
Post by: tbc on Mon, 16 March 2015, 01:56:44
You don't, it's ****ing gross. Why would you put that foul garbage in your mouth? It's really just for old Asian people in their 70s and 80s, just like piss-soaked eggs and stinky tofu.

Oh and durian, et's not forget durian. But compared to natto and stinky tofu it's like a warm summer breeze.... blowing over a garbage dump.

durian is gawd
Title: Re: Natto: How the hell do you choke it down?
Post by: tp4tissue on Mon, 16 March 2015, 02:56:15
Many foods are actually "foul" tasting but due to exposure, you may eventually garner enough positive association to "like it"

For example Beer..  it is NOT delicious, it's bitter, it smells like putrid water, because It is putrid water..

However, because you drink it and get DRUNK, and often do it in a place with cute girls who are also doing it,  eventually you like it..



I'd disagree with using beer as an example. There is a significant variety of beers and flavors. I would also disagree with calling it putrid water. Last time I checked beer wasn't made with water from dirty streams unless if it has Budweiser on the bottle. One of the reasons beer was popular was because of dirty water. You are also making the generalization that the only reason people enjoy beer is for its intoxicated effects but last time I checked plenty of people drink beer without the intention of becoming intoxicated and enjoy it.

As for natto, I don't care for it. Fermented soybeans isn't very appetizing for me.

Take away the fact that beer melts women's clothing and grants a dopamine high. What do we have left, a bitter liquid that is more poisonous than nutritious.
Title: Re: Natto: How the hell do you choke it down?
Post by: tbc on Mon, 16 March 2015, 04:07:11
Many foods are actually "foul" tasting but due to exposure, you may eventually garner enough positive association to "like it"

For example Beer..  it is NOT delicious, it's bitter, it smells like putrid water, because It is putrid water..

However, because you drink it and get DRUNK, and often do it in a place with cute girls who are also doing it,  eventually you like it..



I'd disagree with using beer as an example. There is a significant variety of beers and flavors. I would also disagree with calling it putrid water. Last time I checked beer wasn't made with water from dirty streams unless if it has Budweiser on the bottle. One of the reasons beer was popular was because of dirty water. You are also making the generalization that the only reason people enjoy beer is for its intoxicated effects but last time I checked plenty of people drink beer without the intention of becoming intoxicated and enjoy it.

As for natto, I don't care for it. Fermented soybeans isn't very appetizing for me.

Take away the fact that beer melts women's clothing and grants a dopamine high. What do we have left, a bitter liquid that is more poisonous than nutritious.

alcohol is yeast pee

:)
Title: Re: Natto: How the hell do you choke it down?
Post by: tp4tissue on Mon, 16 March 2015, 05:05:48
Many foods are actually "foul" tasting but due to exposure, you may eventually garner enough positive association to "like it"

For example Beer..  it is NOT delicious, it's bitter, it smells like putrid water, because It is putrid water..

However, because you drink it and get DRUNK, and often do it in a place with cute girls who are also doing it,  eventually you like it..



I'd disagree with using beer as an example. There is a significant variety of beers and flavors. I would also disagree with calling it putrid water. Last time I checked beer wasn't made with water from dirty streams unless if it has Budweiser on the bottle. One of the reasons beer was popular was because of dirty water. You are also making the generalization that the only reason people enjoy beer is for its intoxicated effects but last time I checked plenty of people drink beer without the intention of becoming intoxicated and enjoy it.

As for natto, I don't care for it. Fermented soybeans isn't very appetizing for me.

Take away the fact that beer melts women's clothing and grants a dopamine high. What do we have left, a bitter liquid that is more poisonous than nutritious.

alcohol is yeast pee

:)

Exactly..

I am not against beer, in fact the Good certainly outweighs the Bad, otherwise people wouldn't Drink it..


But it's one thing to say that Beer has Utility.. 

It's another to say that, this arrangement of poisonous chemicals taste good..


It most certainly does NOT physically taste good, you're poisoned every time you ingest beer, this is a fact.


The very reason we administer our taste buds and scent-receptors is to detect poison..

Beer is poison.



When the Laymen says,  Beer taste good..

What does he mean?   

-Social gatherings are fun,
-there are pretty girls,
-dopamine is Really awesome,
-oh wow, I had sex that 1 time when drunk..

And the scale evaluation is, Beer = Good Time

Then, you take all these -GOOD- things and associate it with the "taste" of beer..


But without ANY of those positive effects of beer,   the TASTE is microbial sewage..



Title: Re: Natto: How the hell do you choke it down?
Post by: Sygaldry on Mon, 16 March 2015, 05:27:26
I'll eat durian, stinky tofu, 1000 year eggs, pigs blood, pork intestines, and any number of other foods commonly viewed as gross but I've never been able to choke natto down.

That **** is gross... like trying to swallow the mucus of someone with swine flu.
Title: Re: Natto: How the hell do you choke it down?
Post by: tp4tissue on Mon, 16 March 2015, 05:40:45
I'll eat durian, stinky tofu, 1000 year eggs, pigs blood, pork intestines, and any number of other foods commonly viewed as gross but I've never been able to choke natto down.

That **** is gross... like trying to swallow the mucus of someone with swine flu.

If you think about it...  that list you got there...  at least a billion chinese people eat'n them..

So.... they're actually among the most popular and widely accepted foods..

hrrrm..
Title: Re: Natto: How the hell do you choke it down?
Post by: Sygaldry on Mon, 16 March 2015, 05:48:16
I'll eat durian, stinky tofu, 1000 year eggs, pigs blood, pork intestines, and any number of other foods commonly viewed as gross but I've never been able to choke natto down.

That **** is gross... like trying to swallow the mucus of someone with swine flu.

If you think about it...  that list you got there...  at least a billion chinese people eat'n them..

So.... they're actually among the most popular and widely accepted foods..

hrrrm..

shhhhh... no need to spoil the fact that I'm secretly a very picky eater and only eat "normal" things.
Title: Re: Natto: How the hell do you choke it down?
Post by: noisyturtle on Mon, 16 March 2015, 06:24:58
I'll eat durian, stinky tofu, 1000 year eggs, pigs blood, pork intestines, and any number of other foods commonly viewed as gross but I've never been able to choke natto down.

That **** is gross... like trying to swallow the mucus of someone with swine flu.

If you think about it...  that list you got there...  at least a billion chinese people eat'n them..

So.... they're actually among the most popular and widely accepted foods..

hrrrm..

I'd bet my sweet bippy that some of those foods are avoided by the younger population in China and are on the decline in popularity nationwide. I've met some people from China who are grossed out by stinky tofu and century eggs at least, and a few Mongolians who just hate all Chinese food :))
Title: Re: Natto: How the hell do you choke it down?
Post by: Novus on Mon, 16 March 2015, 06:34:10
When I eat natto I just remember it makes my skin look better.  :p
Title: Re: Natto: How the hell do you choke it down?
Post by: noisyturtle on Mon, 16 March 2015, 07:11:23
So does rubbing seamen on your face, but that doesn't mean I'm eager to get a facial.
Title: Re: Natto: How the hell do you choke it down?
Post by: Novus on Mon, 16 March 2015, 07:49:41
So does rubbing seamen on your face, but that doesn't mean I'm eager to get a facial.

Although I occasionally watch NCIS and watched JAG, I'm not in the navy unfortunately.
Title: Re: Natto: How the hell do you choke it down?
Post by: paicrai on Mon, 16 March 2015, 08:38:18
So does rubbing seamen on your face, but that doesn't mean I'm eager to get a facial.
shhh theres no need to lie
Title: Re: Natto: How the hell do you choke it down?
Post by: katushkin on Mon, 16 March 2015, 09:41:13
I'll eat durian, stinky tofu, 1000 year eggs, pigs blood, pork intestines, and any number of other foods commonly viewed as gross but I've never been able to choke natto down.

That **** is gross... like trying to swallow the mucus of someone with swine flu.

Rotten Icelandic shark?
Title: Re: Natto: How the hell do you choke it down?
Post by: pichu23 on Mon, 16 March 2015, 09:45:21
I've always wanted to try natto.

There are many foods I didn't used to like that I now enjoy. I've been into kimchi lately.

kimchi is amazing  :thumb:
Title: Re: Natto: How the hell do you choke it down?
Post by: Asininity on Mon, 16 March 2015, 12:14:43
Many foods are actually "foul" tasting but due to exposure, you may eventually garner enough positive association to "like it"

For example Beer..  it is NOT delicious, it's bitter, it smells like putrid water, because It is putrid water..

However, because you drink it and get DRUNK, and often do it in a place with cute girls who are also doing it,  eventually you like it..



I'd disagree with using beer as an example. There is a significant variety of beers and flavors. I would also disagree with calling it putrid water. Last time I checked beer wasn't made with water from dirty streams unless if it has Budweiser on the bottle. One of the reasons beer was popular was because of dirty water. You are also making the generalization that the only reason people enjoy beer is for its intoxicated effects but last time I checked plenty of people drink beer without the intention of becoming intoxicated and enjoy it.

As for natto, I don't care for it. Fermented soybeans isn't very appetizing for me.

Take away the fact that beer melts women's clothing and grants a dopamine high. What do we have left, a bitter liquid that is more poisonous than nutritious.

alcohol is yeast pee

:)

Exactly..

I am not against beer, in fact the Good certainly outweighs the Bad, otherwise people wouldn't Drink it..


But it's one thing to say that Beer has Utility.. 

It's another to say that, this arrangement of poisonous chemicals taste good..


It most certainly does NOT physically taste good, you're poisoned every time you ingest beer, this is a fact.


The very reason we administer our taste buds and scent-receptors is to detect poison..

Beer is poison.



When the Laymen says,  Beer taste good..

What does he mean?   

-Social gatherings are fun,
-there are pretty girls,
-dopamine is Really awesome,
-oh wow, I had sex that 1 time when drunk..

And the scale evaluation is, Beer = Good Time

Then, you take all these -GOOD- things and associate it with the "taste" of beer..


But without ANY of those positive effects of beer,   the TASTE is microbial sewage..

You are overgeneralizing to the extent of folly and completely ignoring all other variables. It is true that beer leads to the release of dopamine, even before the alcohol effects your body. This occurs with foods as well as part of our reward and reinforcement. Dopamine is also released when you work out but I hope nobody would say the only reason we work out is the dopamine reward. We find gratification in our bettered appearance, the feeling of improving ourselves, conquering new challenges, and we may also feel better because working out improves health thus improving our lives. You are over simplifying and construing why people like beer in a way that is compatible with your own narrative. That's hardly scientific. You're ignoring all the other situations in which people enjoy beer that are not compatible with that narrative.

People dislike or like certain beers for the tastes. For example, I don't care for Indian pale Ales because they have too many hops which leads to a very bitter flavor. I like hops but at that level it is unpleasant as it mutes and overcomes all other flavors. Yet some people like that bitter tangy flavor and buy these triple hopped monstrosities. The same applies for wine. Some people like wines with a lot of tannins in them. Like hops I like tannins but not when they are overwhelming. It's points like these that question the face validity of your view. If flavor is dependent on those social interactions and dopamine there's a lot of unanswered questions. Like why do I like American Pale Ales but not like Indian Pale Ales? Shouldn't they both release dopamine? Or why is there a industry of craft breweries and brewpubs to cater to people who say they enjoy the taste of beer? And pay a premium for those beers! Or why do people enjoy beer outside of those social situations? Like a light Italian beer with something citrus after mowing the lawn or going into a brewpub to have a sampler to find a beer you like.

I think that's because beer does have flavor, and many of them. For example, the yeast. Now, there are many types of yeast and they significantly influence the taste of the beer. We like yeasts that produce esters compared to mutated yeasts that do not because of the flavor. There are hops that are minty, spicy ,piney, citrusy, floral, grassy, leafy, and others. You have beer flavors, apple flavors, chocolate, smokey, nutty, and down the line. You then have a ton of different malts which is a bunch of yummy sugar. Taste is complex and those tastes influence why some people like beer, some people do not, and why some people like this beer while others do not. That's taste buds which are heavily influenced by smell.

There are plenty of people who only drink because it looks cool and to get intoxicated. I'm not disagreeing with that. The statement that that's the only reason people like beer however is preposterous. It's a hypothesis that cannot withstand any amount of scrutiny. So what's wrong with beer enjoying beer for its own merits?

Cheese is mold. I'm not complaining.
Title: Re: Natto: How the hell do you choke it down?
Post by: tbc on Mon, 16 March 2015, 13:31:42
I'll eat durian, stinky tofu, 1000 year eggs, pigs blood, pork intestines, and any number of other foods commonly viewed as gross but I've never been able to choke natto down.

That **** is gross... like trying to swallow the mucus of someone with swine flu.

If you think about it...  that list you got there...  at least a billion chinese people eat'n them..

So.... they're actually among the most popular and widely accepted foods..

hrrrm..

I'd bet my sweet bippy that some of those foods are avoided by the younger population in China and are on the decline in popularity nationwide. I've met some people from China who are grossed out by stinky tofu and century eggs at least, and a few Mongolians who just hate all Chinese food :))

that's just dim sum
Title: Re: Natto: How the hell do you choke it down?
Post by: Jokrik on Mon, 16 March 2015, 22:08:53
I had a lot of trip to Japan these recent years
actually once you put soy sauce in the natto, it wont taste as bad
I still dont fancy it though

The same goes with vegemite, I lived in Australia for many years
not until the last few months I lived there that I discover Vegemite + cheese on toast is the real deal

But food like that you really have to grow up with them to love em

now imagine durian, that I dont know why people love them....
Title: Re: Natto: How the hell do you choke it down?
Post by: feizor on Tue, 17 March 2015, 18:06:49
I had a lot of trip to Japan these recent years
actually once you put soy sauce in the natto, it wont taste as bad
I still dont fancy it though

The same goes with vegemite, I lived in Australia for many years
not until the last few months I lived there that I discover Vegemite + cheese on toast is the real deal

But food like that you really have to grow up with them to love em

now imagine durian, that I dont know why people love them....
Yep it's an acquired taste with lots of local foods. I love Vegemite and durian but despise natto
Title: Re: Natto: How the hell do you choke it down?
Post by: Puddsy on Tue, 17 March 2015, 18:07:54
drown it in soy sauce the first few times, after 3-4 it should be easier
Title: Re: Natto: How the hell do you choke it down?
Post by: tbc on Wed, 18 March 2015, 00:42:39
I had a lot of trip to Japan these recent years
actually once you put soy sauce in the natto, it wont taste as bad
I still dont fancy it though

The same goes with vegemite, I lived in Australia for many years
not until the last few months I lived there that I discover Vegemite + cheese on toast is the real deal

But food like that you really have to grow up with them to love em

now imagine durian, that I dont know why people love them....

durian is like extremely creamy.  you just don't get that texture...ever.  i've had less creamy creamy desserts.

eat it half frozen and it's the best food in the world bar none.
Title: Re: Natto: How the hell do you choke it down?
Post by: Lanx on Wed, 18 March 2015, 03:36:49
Durian is yummy, just smells disgusting
Title: Re: Natto: How the hell do you choke it down?
Post by: Hiroyuki on Sun, 22 March 2015, 18:40:37
I recall one of my trips to JP, visiting my friend and she served me, amongst other things, natto... I can't forget her speechless face when I ate that and actually didn't mind it at all :D I'm not a big fan of it but I don't mind eating it as long as it is in limited amounts. Once tried to eat an entire box of it myself and that kinda made me feel somewhat uncomfortable. Stinky tofu on the other hand, that's just outright delicious.