Best Japanese Herb/Spice Types
Sansho pepper is a Japanese spice characterized by its prized aromatic peppercorns, green color, and a floral, tangy, lemon-like flavor. It is a part of the famous seven Japanese spices and is closely related to Sichuan pepper.
The shrub is grown in Japan, but also in China and North Korea. Traditionally, sansho is used as a seasoning for fish and barbecue dishes, or sprinkled over unagi grilled eel. It pairs extremely well with other spices such as sesame and ginger.
THE BEST Sansho Pepper Peppercorns
Sometimes referred to as the seven-spice powder, shichimi togarashi is a spice blend widely used in Japanese cuisine for imparting a nice smoky-sweet heat to a variety of dishes, from a steaming bowl of soba noodles to grilled fish. The origin of shichimi togarashi dates back at least to the 17th century when it was produced by local herb dealers in what was then a small, little-known fishing village of Edo, currently known as Tokyo.
Its Japanese name literally translates to seven-flavor chili pepper, which is a reference to the usual seven ingredients that are used to make it: ground chili pepper, sansho or Japanese pepper, roasted satsuma mandarin peel, black or white sesame seeds, hemp seeds or hearts, ground ginger, and nori seaweed.
Shiso is a Japanese herb with a unique flavor: hints of citrus, mint, basil, anise, and coriander are all incorporated into its tiny leaves, which can be red or green. They are a part of the seven spices of Japan, originating from over 300 years ago in Kyoto.
Green shiso leaves are often used as a garnish for sushi and sashimi, but they are also added to soups and tempuras. Red shiso is mostly used to color umeboshi and pickled ginger. Whether red or green, shiso can be used in a variety of other dishes: mixed into salads, tossed into green tea, added to stir-fries, or chopped and prepared with scrambled eggs.
Best Japanese Herb/Spice Producers
Kanja Sansyou is a Japanese producer specializing in products made from sansho (Japanese pepper) and related herbs, cultivated in Wakayama Prefecture. The company offers high-quality seasonings, sauces, and ingredients that highlight the distinct aromatic and spicy flavors of sansho.
With a commitment to traditional farming and production methods, Sansyou-en aims to promote the culinary heritage of Japan.
BEST Kanja Sansyou Herbs and Spices
Kitora Nouen is a Japanese agricultural producer located in Wakayama Prefecture. The company specializes in cultivating high-quality fruits and spices, with a strong focus on sansho (Japanese pepper). Their products emphasize natural flavors and are grown with care to preserve traditional farming practices.
Kitora Nouen offers fresh produce and value-added products like seasonings, highlighting the rich agricultural heritage of the region.
BEST Kitora Nouen Herbs and Spices
Yamatsu Tsujita is a Japanese company specializing in the production and sale of high-quality spices, particularly focusing on domestically grown chili peppers and ground sansho (Japanese pepper). With a history spanning over 120 years, the company has preserved and passed down traditional techniques and varieties, such as the purebred "Taka no Tsume" chili pepper.
In 2021, this particular chili was recognized as a "Naniwa Traditional Vegetable" under the name "Sakai Taka no Tsume," highlighting its cultural and historical significance. Yamatsu Tsujita's commitment to quality and tradition has established them as a reputable producer of authentic Japanese spices.
BEST Yamatsu Tsujita Herbs and Spices
Best Japanese Herbs and Spices
Sansho Pepper by Kanja Sansyou is a premium Japanese spice derived from the sansho plant, cultivated in Wakayama Prefecture. Known for its vibrant citrusy aroma and tingling spice, sansho is a staple in Japanese cuisine, enhancing dishes like grilled meats, noodles, and pickles.
Kanja Sansyou focuses on traditional methods to ensure high quality and preserve the distinct flavors of their products.
Budo Sansho from Kitora Nouen, a high-quality Japanese sansho pepper powder. Sansho is known for its unique citrusy and tingling flavor, often used in traditional Japanese cuisine to enhance dishes like grilled meats and seafood. Kitora Nouen emphasizes producing premium sansho pepper with the distinctive quality of the Wakayama region.
The product comes in a sustainable, eco-friendly package, maintaining its fresh flavor and aromatic properties.
Yamatsu Tsujita's Stone-Ground Asakura Powdered Sansho (Limited Edition) is crafted from the fresh buds and young berries of the Asakura sansho plant, renowned for its vibrant aroma and refreshing light green hue. To preserve its unique fragrance and color, the sansho is meticulously ground using traditional stone mills, ensuring that the natural flavors are fully extracted without being compromised by heat.
This exquisite seasoning pairs exceptionally well with grilled meats like yakiniku and steak, as well as tempura, especially when combined into a sansho salt blend (three parts sansho powder to one part salt). Sourced from contract farmers in Japan's remote mountainous regions, this product reflects a deep commitment to quality and tradition.
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