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Shichimi Togarashi | Local Spice Blend and Seasoning From Japan | TasteAtlas
Shichimi Togarashi | Local Spice Blend and Seasoning From Japan | TasteAtlas
Shichimi Togarashi | Local Spice Blend and Seasoning From Japan | TasteAtlas
Shichimi Togarashi | Local Spice Blend and Seasoning From Japan | TasteAtlas

Shichimi Togarashi

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.


Despite its name, the blend can also add or substitute other ingredients, including poppy seeds, yuzu citrus peel, shiso mint, and rapeseed, while the primary ingredient is always ground chili pepper. Shichimi togarashi is usually simply sprinkled on top of cooked dishes, but it also makes for an excellent rub or marinade for various meats and seafood.


Also, while the selection of shichimi togarashi tends to be fairly limited in Western markets, in Japan, these flavorful spice blends are readily available in specialty stores such as the famous Yagenbori, which was established in 1625 and hasn't changed the manufacturing process since.