Katsuobushi is one of the most unusual foods in the world — a piece of fish so thoroughly transformed that it must be shaved like wood.This transformation is no accident. It is the result of a carefully controlled process involving boiling, smoking, drying, and fermentation carried out over several months. Along the way, mold is deliberately introduced — not to spoil the fish, but to refine it.In this article, we explore how katsuobushi is made, why mold plays a critical role, and why this process is sometimes compared to cheesemaking. Quick Summary Katsuobushi is made through a multi-stage process of ...