Japanese cuisine isn’t famous for being particularly spicy, but the Japanese have one secret they add to almost everything—Shichimi Togarashi. This seven-spice blend was created in the 17th century and is much more than just hot pepper.
Chili as Medicine: A Story from the Edo Period
Who would have thought that chili could be considered medicine? In 1625, in the Yagenbori herbal pharmacy in Tokyo, the recipe for Shichimi Togarashi (literally “seven-flavor chili”) was born. The inventor, Yagenbori, decided to create an herbal blend that could quite literally “heal everything.”
The mixture quickly became a hit in pharmacies for its medicinal properties and later moved to street stalls during traditional festivals. Thus, Shichimi Togarashi evolved from a remedy into Japan’s most beloved seasoning.
What’s in Authentic Shichimi Togarashi?
While large food companies today often tweak the recipe (replacing sansho pepper with white pepper or adding ginger), tradition dictates that the blend must contain exactly seven ingredients:
- Red Chili Pepper (the base)
- Sansho (Japanese pepper with a distinct citrus profile)
- Orange Peel (or Yuzu peel for an extra citrus aroma)
- Sesame Seeds (white and/or black)
- Poppy Seeds
- Hemp Seeds
- Nori or Aonori (dried seaweed)
The “Big Three”: Guardians of Tradition
If you want the real deal, you should know about these three legendary manufacturers who have guarded their recipes for centuries:
| Manufacturer | Location | Flavor Profile |
| Yagenbori | Asakusa, Tokyo | Uses black sesame and Unshu peel (Satsuma mandarin). |
| Shichimiya Honpo | Kyoto | Famous for including Shiso (perilla) leaves. |
| Yawataya Isogoro | Nagano | Their blend relies on ginger and aonori. |
How to Use Shichimi Togarashi
In short: Shichimi Togarashi is the Japanese “Sharena Salt.” You put it on everything, and it automatically acquires a Japanese character. Here are some classic applications:
- Noodles: A must-have for Udon and Soba.
- Nabe: Added to hot pot dishes.
- Street Food: Sprinkle over Yakitori (chicken skewers) or Gyudon (beef bowl).
- Fried Foods: Perfect for Tempura.
- Sauces: Mix it into mayonnaise or other dipping sauces.
- Modern Twist: Try it on sushi, sashimi, or even plain rice.
Spizing Tip: Don’t be afraid to experiment. Just as our sharena salt makes everything taste Bulgarian, Shichimi Togarashi makes every dish a part of Eastern magic.