Ori (sediment)

Ori refers to the white, cloudy matter that settles at the bottom of the tank when freshly pressed sake (joso, the pressing of the fermentation mash) is left to stand for a while. At the time of pressing, the sake is a clear liquid, but as time passes, impurities and the remains of yeast sink and form ori. Ori is seen in particularly large amounts in newly pressed sake, and it is generally removed in order to improve the quality of the sake. Because ori affects the quality of the sake, it is an important element in the brewing process. The presence of ori also influences the aging and flavor of the sake, so it must be managed carefully in sake brewing.