2024.10.30

What is Shichimi(七味)? Discover Japan’s Healthy & Epic Spice Blend

Nico

Norio

Spice are common in cuisines around the world, but how about in Japan?

Nico

There are plenty! One of the most popular spice seasonings is “Shichimi (七味)” . Let’s have a look in this article!

Contents

What is Shichimi?
- 7 ingredients in shichimi
Health Benefits of Shichimi
- For your body
- For your heart
Who Is Shichimi For?
How to Use Shichimi
Our Recipe (s) Using Shichimi
Which Shichimi is the Best?
Where to Buy the Perfect Shichimi

What is Shichimi?

Shichimi (七味), or shichimi togatashi (七味唐辛子), is a traditional 7-flavor spice mix from Japan. Shichi (七) stands for “seven,” and mi (味) stands for “flavor.”

This condiment was invented in the Edo period as a multi-herbal medicine, meaning each ingredient has its own health-promoting quality.

7 ingredients in shichimi

Although it slightly varies depending on the brand and region, here are generally the common 7 different spices in shichimi:

Chili pepper (唐辛子), grounded (the base spice)
Sesame seeds (胡麻), black and/or white
Ginger (生姜), grounded
Sansho (山椒, Japanese pepper)
Chimpi (陳皮, dried orange peel)
Shiso (紫蘇, Japanese perilla)
Hemp seeds (麻の実)

Some shichimi variations can include Aonori (青のり, seaweed) or poppy seeds in place for any of them above.

For more about each ingredient, take a look at this page by a traditional shichimi company in Japan.

Health Benefits of Shichimi

For your body

As traditionally used as a herbal medicine, shihimi is expected to optimize your health with the following qualities.

Rich in vitamins and minerals (i.e., calcium)
Anti-inflammatory
Improves digestion
Encourages blood circulation
Together, shichimi helps boost your metabolism and immune systems

For your heart

Delicious!
The perfect balance od 7 unique flavors
Versatile in use
Gives you more joy in your mealtime!

Who Is Shichimi For?

Shichimi would be for you if you…

like hot and spicy tastes
want to promote health with condiments
love Japanese foods
are looking for a way to spice up your meals

How to Use Shichimi

Shichimi is such a multi-purpose condiment! Since it has strong flavors, just a teaspoon per serving is usually enough.

For example, you can sprinkle on everyday miso soup…

…, on just-served noodles like udon (or soba /ramen )…

…, on creamy simmered veggies such as daikon radish…

…, and on crispy baked onigiri!

Our Recipe (s) Using Shichimi

Tofummus (Japanese-style Mock Hummus)

Nico

More coming on the way!

Which Shichimi is the Best?

The shichimi brand of my recommendation is Yawataya Isogoro (八幡屋磯五郎). ost authentic and well-known, with a history of over

Nico

Actually, this brand is from my hometown Nagano prefecture!

I’ve tried different kinds of shichimi, and I’m confident to say this brand is by far the best.

I normally use the classic red one (on the right side in the picture), and in winter I often use the yellow one with dried yuzu, a Japanese winter citrus fruit (on the left side in the picture).

The product design is pretty cute, isn’t it?

My shichimi: classic (the red one) and yuzu (the yellow one).

In addition, this brand is trying to use local ingredients as much as possible, which I really love.

Where to Buy the Perfect Shichimi

Good news! Yawayaua Isogoro’s shichimi is also available online for overseas shipping.

Nico

Check out on the online Japanese store “Japan Centre” from below!

Get Yawataya Isogoro’s shichimi from here!

Yawataya Isogoro’s shichimi is popular and dominant at many Japanese supermarkets, as you can see above. (By the way, this photo was taken at Tsuruya, the top supermarket chain in Nagano. If you have an opportunity to visit Nagano, it’s a hidden gem for local Japanese food!)