Shichimi

Shichimi tōgarashi

Shichimi tōgarashi (Japanese: 七味唐辛子, "seven flavor chili pepper"), also known as nana-iro tōgarashi (七色唐辛子^?)^[1], and simply shichimi, is a common Japanese spice mixture containing seven ingredients.^[2]

A typical blend may contain:

• coarsely ground red chili pepper (the main ingredient)
• ground sansho (Sichuan pepper)
• roasted orange peel
• black sesame seed
• white sesame seed
• hemp seed^[3]
• ground ginger^[2]
• nori or aonori

A jar of commercially produced shichimi

Some recipes may substitute or supplement these with poppy seed, yuzu peel, rape seed or shiso.

Shichimi should be distinguished from ichimi tōgarashi (一味唐辛子), which is simply ground red chili pepper, and means literally "one flavor chili pepper" (ichi meaning "one").

History

It dates back at least to the 17th century, when it was produced by herb dealers in Edo,^[2] current day Tokyo, and sometimes it is referred to as Yagenbori (Japanese: 薬研堀, from the name of the original place of production). Most shichimi sold today come from one of three kinds, sold near temples: Yagenbori (やげん堀^?) sold near Sensō-ji, Shichimiya (七味家^?) sold near Kiyomizu-dera, and Yawataya Isogorō (八幡屋磯五郎^?) sold near Zenkō-ji.

Use

It is often used in soups and on noodles and gyūdon. Some rice products such as rice cakes, agemochi and roasted rice crackers also use it for seasoning.

References

1. ^ Dictionaries Nihon Kokugo Daijiten and Shin Meikai kokugo jiten
2. ^ ^{a b c} Zeldes, Leah A. (2010-04-14). "Eat this! Shichimi togarashi, zesty Japanese seasoning". Dining Chicago. Chicago's Restaurant & Entertainment Guide, Inc.. http://www.diningchicago.com/blog/2010/04/14/eat-this-shichimi-togarashi-zesty-japanese-seasoning/. Retrieved 2010-05-22. 
3. ^ Hongo, Jun (Dec. 11, 2007). "Hemp OK as rope, not as dope". The Japan Times. http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20071211i1.html. Retrieved 2010-05-22. 

External links

• Togarashi-seared ahi tuna recipe