Shichimi

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Shichimi tōgarashi

Shichimi tōgarashi (Japanese: 七味唐辛子, lit. "seven flavor chile pepper") or simply shichimi, is a common Japanese spice mixture containing seven ingredients. It is also known as nanami tōgarashi outside Japan.

The main ingredient is coarsely ground red chile pepper, to which is typically added:

mandarin orange peel
sesame seed
poppy seed
hemp seed
nori or aonori
ground sansho (a relative of Sichuan pepper)

Some recipes may substitute or supplement with yuzu peel, rapeseed, ginger, or shiso.

It was originally produced by herb dealers in Edo, former Tokyo, and sometimes it is referred to as Yagenbori (Japanese: 薬研堀) from the name of original place. Now, some specialized shops located in front of temples such as Zenkoji in Nagano and Kiyomizudera in Kyoto are well known in Japan.

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

Shichimi should be distinguished from ichimi tōgarashi, which is simply ground red chile pepper.