Shichimi - Japanese chilli mix enriching Japanese dishes

Jul 02, 2021

Tokyo (Japan), July 02 (ANI): Soba and Udon are traditional Japanese noodle dishes that are very popular in Japan, but their great flavor isn't complete without some "Shichimi" on top of it. It is the Japanese multi-use chilli mix seasoning that makes food more delicious by enhancing the flavor. It can be also used with pickled vegetables, miso soup, grilled meat and fish. Shichimi means “seven spices and although the main component is hot pepper, it includes other ingredients that give an aromatic flavor and a beautiful smell in addition to the spicy taste. The story of Shichimi started almost 400 years ago in this shop in Tokyo where Shichimi spices mixture were invented by Japanese merchant in the year 1625 to be used as a medicine that stimulates blood circulation to recover quickly after illness. But within few years of its production, it turned into spice that is added to food. It is now produced by many companies. And the original shop still keeps old tools that were used when Shichimi vendors moved between city and town to grind and sell their mixture. Customers can buy the mixture in the same traditional package, and also choose between three levels of chili strength in it. In 2013, UNESCO included traditional Japanese cuisine, or Washoku, on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. And with the spread of Japanese food around the world, the demand for Japanese Shichimi spices, which is an indispensable for obtaining the original Japanese flavor, has become very popular as well.