If you want to make them yourself here is a link for the recipe: http://www.saltandpepper.com/recipes/f/4304723.html They are used in Marinades, salad dressings etc. in Japanese cooking. They are eaten as a snack in Taiwan and all over China. It definately is an aquired taste. I am not fond of anything so salty, but I guess sour and salty is interersting. Mary-Anne