Shichimi Explained

Shichimi
Alternate Name:Nana-iro tōgarashi
Type:Spice mixture
Country:Japan
Creators:-->
Year:17th century
Serving Size:100 g
No Recipes:false

, also known as [1] [2] or simply shichimi, is a common Japanese spice mixture containing seven ingredients.[3] Tōgarashi is the Japanese name for Capsicum annuum peppers, and it is this ingredient that makes shichimi spicy.[4]

Etymology

“Shichi” means seven, and “togarashi” is the red chili pepper Capsicum annuum.[5] The blend is also called nanami togarashi.

Ingredients

A typical blend may contain:

Some recipes may substitute or supplement these with yuzu peel, rapeseed or shiso. Shichimi is distinguished from, which is simply ground red chili pepper.[7]

Use

The blend is traditionally used as a finishing spice. It is ubiquitous in restaurants in Japan; a shaker is sometimes on every table along with salt and pepper shakers and bottles of soy sauce. It is often consumed with soups and on noodles and gyūdon. Some rice products such as rice cakes, agemochi and roasted rice crackers also use it for seasoning.[8]

History

Shichimi dates back at least to the 17th century, when it was produced by herb dealers in Edo, current day Tokyo, and sometimes it is referred to as . Most shichimi sold today come from one of three kinds, sold near temples: sold near Sensō-ji, sold near Kiyomizu-dera, and sold near Zenkō-ji.

Culture

In modern times, the product is generally sold as a formulated product, but in the past it was prepared and sold according to the customer's needs (七味唐辛子売り). Even today, performances can be seen at festival stalls.

See also

Notes and References

  1. .
  2. .
  3. Web site: Zeldes . Leah A. . Leah A. Zeldes . Eat this! Shichimi togarashi, zesty Japanese seasoning . Dining Chicago . Chicago's Restaurant & Entertainment Guide . 2010-04-14 . 2010-05-22 . https://web.archive.org/web/20101007190434/http://www.diningchicago.com/blog/2010/04/14/eat-this-shichimi-togarashi-zesty-japanese-seasoning/. 2010-10-07. dead.
  4. Gordenker, Alice, "Shichimi Togarashi: The Japanese 7-Spice Mix You Have to Try", Japanese Food Guide
  5. News: Kim . Eric . 2023-10-04 . This Store-Bought Spice Blend Makes Everything Taste Better . en-US . . 2023-10-07 . 0362-4331.
  6. Web site: Hongo. Jun . Hemp OK as rope, not as dope . The Japan Times . Dec 11, 2007 . 2010-05-22.
  7. Book: Kaneko . Amy . Let's Cook Japanese Food! . 2007 . Chronicle Books . 978-0-8118-4832-9 . 20 . en.
  8. Web site: Kilcoyne . Kevin . 3 February 2020 . Shichimi: The Seven Spice Blend of Japan . Kokoro Care Packages . 14 April 2024 . and can even be found as a flavor for rice crackers and agemochi .