On Mon, 04 May 2015 12:01:09 -0600, "W. Lohman" > wrote:

>On 5/4/2015 11:30 AM, JRStern wrote:
>> On Mon, 04 May 2015 09:58:03 -0600, "W. Lohman" > wrote:
>>
>>> On 5/4/2015 9:44 AM, JRStern wrote:
>>>> On Sun, 03 May 2015 23:38:35 -0700, sf > wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> On Sun, 3 May 2015 16:46:15 -0700 (PDT), dsi1 >
>>>>> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>> The beans are too hardcore for me. The stuff in the jar is more lightweight and comes in a more convenient form.
>>>>>
>>>>> Equal parts salted black beans, onion and grated garlic, cover with
>>>>> oil. Whiz in a blender to make a paste.
>>>>
>>>> First of all, which beans, the frijoles or "black soy" beans?
>>>>
>>>> Second, if you start with dried beans, takes you all day to get them
>>>> ready to roll.
>>>>
>>>> Third, the Chinese version is "fermented", exactly whatever that
>>>> means.
>>>>
>>>> J.
>>>>
>>> http://chinesefood.about.com/od/chin...blackbeans.htm
>>>
>>> Definition: These are not the black beans you'll find in Mexican
>>> cooking. Fermented black beans (also called salted or dried black beans)
>>> are made from soybeans that have been dried and fermented with salt;
>>> other spices such as chilies and/or wine and possibly ginger may be
>>> added. Because of their strong flavor, fermented black beans are
>>> frequently paired with other strong seasonings, such as garlic and
>>> chilies. They make a frequent appearance in Cantonese cooking; you’ll
>>> find them in dishes such as Shrimp With Lobster Sauce. Fermented black
>>> beans are normally rinsed before being used in cooking; otherwise, they
>>> will impart too much of a salty flavor to the dish. Often you’ll find
>>> recipes calling for the beans to be mashed with garlic.
>>>
>>> Fermented black beans are sold in plastic bags in Asian markets. At
>>> home, remove the beans from the package and store in a sealed container
>>> in a cool, dark place. The beans will last for several months. You can
>>> also find fermented black beans sold in jars - these can be used instead
>>> if necessary but they don't have as much flavor.
>>>
>>> If you don’t live near an Asian market, premade black bean sauce is
>>> often available in the international or ethnic section of many supermarkets.
>>
>> I haven't been to my local Asian market yet, later today or tomorrow,
>> but just went to an independent local market, and they had this:
>>
>> http://us.lkk.com/en/Products/retail...ack-bean-sauce
>>
>> Only it was in a stubby jar not a tall bottle, about $3.99 for 8
>> ounces. But I didn't buy it on the spot for two reasons, first that
>> it was made in China (!!!!), second I couldn't find an expiration date
>> and I suspect low turnover.
>>
>> Does anyone want to vouch for LKK foods? No lead, melamine, or motor
>> oil involved?
>>
>> J.
>>
>>
>You betcha. I've been using their products for years.
>
>I would guess most of our product comes from their Los Angeles factory.

It says "product of China", it may be bottled in Los Angeles or just
warehoused there, or not even, just have a post office box there.

But thanks for the recommendation, I'll be going by the Japanese
market in a little while, after I see what they have I hope to come
home with something.

J.