Shichimi Togarashi

ORIGINS OF SHICHIMI TOGARASHI

Shichimi togarashi is decidedly Japanese, but its roots are in Chinese herbal medicine. The herbal medicine idea was taken by the Japanese—not as largely practiced as in China—but it’s the idea of something being good for your health. Each of its seven ingredients (“shichi” means “seven” and “mi” means “taste”; “togarashi” is Japanese dried red chili) brings a distinct flavor profile and herbal benefit to the colorful blend. It’s a highly popular spice mix in Japan that dates back to the 17th century.

The blend is commonly referred to simply as togarashi. Still, to avoid confusion with ichimi togarashi (“ichi” meaning “one,” so “one-taste pepper”), which is merely ground red chili pepper, you should call it shichimi.