First USDA Organic Sakes Available in June

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First USDA Organic Sakes Available in June

Posted by Erika Pitera on May 3, 2008

First USDA Organic Sake Momokawa If you're looking for a new organic libation to add to your repertoire, SakeOne is introducing this June the very first sakes ever to carry the USDA organic seal of approval: Momokawa Organic Nigori and Ginjo (Junmai).

Both varieties of sake will be branded under the Momokawa name and will be available in 750ML and 375ML bottles.

The organic bottle is made of recycled green glass and the cap is recyclable as well. The labels will be printed on "tree free" paper made from grasses and bamboo.

In short, the entire experience will be organic, from start to finish.

Organic certification isn't easy to come by, but organic certifier Oregon Tilth gave SakeOne the seal of approval in April.

"The certification means a guarantee to our customers that the Momokawa sake carrying the USDA seal are as clean and simple as nature would appreciate them being," said Greg Lorenz, Sakemaster.

Lorenz noted that the sake is brewed from certified organic rice, yeast and koji enzymes, and that the processes meet USDA standards.

What is Junmai Ginjo?

Junmai Ginjo is one of three broad categories of premium sake (the other two being Junmai and Junmai Daiginjo).

Each category indicates how much of the outer part of the rice's grain has been milled away. In essence, the more the rice has been "polished," the purer and more fragrant the resulting sake.

Junmai Ginjo has about 40 percent of the rice milled away. Generally speaking, Junmai Ginjo is a refined sake with delicate, complex and subtle flavors.