Question 1

does this contain MSG?

Accepted Answer

Being that it's a fermented bean paste, and mono-sodium glutamate (msg) is a natural biproduct often found in fermented foods, it's very likely that this contains msg, though I no longer have the package for confirmation. There are a lot of myths flying around about msg that are just completely unfounded and these myths are backed up with anecdotal evidence that would never pass for scientific evidence. MSG is a form of an amino acid (glutamate) which is a natural building block of protein.  High levels of msg are found naturally in many foods, not just Chinese food, and are responsible for umami flavor. Parmesan cheese (and other cheeses) is very high in msg, so if you think msg gives you a headache, but you don't get a headache from parmesan cheese, you are likely wrong about the culprit being msg.

Question 2

How long does this product last adter opening? And whatis tge recommended storage method aftwr opening?

Accepted Answer

It's a kind of fermented sauces, better store in cooler after opening. Shelf life depends on the production date, mainly 18 months shelf life.

Question 3

For how long is this aged at the factory?  I am looking for five or seven year aged doubanjiang

Accepted Answer

Although I, of course, don't know the answer to that, the sauce is deep reddish brown indicating it has been aged for some time. This sauce is excellent and I would recommend it to anyone.

Question 4

Is there supposed to be a hole in the package?

Accepted Answer

No. I ordered it here on Amazon awhile back and my package was torn as well. (Note: The plastic bag inside, however, is simply folded over and never sealed) Although it still smelled okay I threw it out as a precaution. Most Asian markets go through tons of this brand but truth be told I've found the brand: Lee Kum Kee "Chili Bean Sauce" Toban Djan (in the red and tan jar) to be more flavorful as it is also made with fermented broad beans for that unique flavor for dishes such as Mapo Tofu. Good luck!

ASIN	B00A9OF6NS
Age Range Description	Adults
Best Sellers Rank	#152,417 in Grocery & Gourmet Food ( See Top 100 in Grocery & Gourmet Food ) #164 in Chile Paste
Brand	Pixian
Brand Name	Pixian
Coin Variety 1	Broad Beans
Container Type	Bag
Cuisine	Sichuan cuisine
Customer Reviews	4.5 out of 5 stars 447 Reviews
Flavor	Bean
Item Form	Paste
Item Package Weight	0.47 kg
Item Weight	1 pounds
Manufacturer	Sichuan Pixian Douban
Number of Items	1
Number of Pieces	1
Package Size Name	16 ounce
Package Weight	0.47 kg
Size	16 Ounce (Pack of 1)
Specialty	Vegan
UPC	637077108645 519395030429
Unit Count	16 Ounce
Variety	Broad Beans

Sichuan / Pixian / Pi Xian Broad Bean Paste 16OZ (454g)

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