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japanese superfoods

Shichimi: Japan's seven-spice powder

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By LUISA HEENAN

Shichimi togarashi (commonly known as shichimi) is translated as “seven-spice powder” and includes ground red chilli peppers, Szechuan peppers, citrus peel, sesame seeds (white and black), ginger and nori, all combined into an amazing seasoning powder blend of complementary tastes. Some variations may also include a mixture of hemp seeds, poppy seeds, garlic or shiso.

Health benefits

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Photo: iStock: karimitsu

Shichimi was invented by a Japanese herbal medicine expert in the Edo period, with the intention of creating a mix in which every ingredient has some medicinal healing quality. So how exactly are these ingredients good for you? See below.

Red chilli peppers

The main ingredient, contain capsaicin, which is the substance that gives peppers their pungency and spice. Capsaicin health benefits can include clearing sinus congestion, promoting blood circulation, relieving muscle pain, assisting with weight loss and aiding digestion.

Szechuan peppers

Said to aid the stomach and digestive system, as well as have an anti-inflammatory effect on the body.

Citrus peel

Namely mandarin or orange is included for its high vitamin C content, which can help with colds, fevers, headaches and stomachaches.

Sesame seeds

My ultimate favorite seed, is packed with so much goodness, it deserves its own review! High in vitamins and minerals, especially calcium, copper and magnesium, sesame seeds can help prevent diabetes and osteoporosis. They are great for heart and lung health as well as beautiful skin.

Ginger

A world famous natural health herb, helps with digestion, bloating, joint pain, nausea, colds and sore throats.

Nori

A type of seaweed, is high in iodine and iron, essential for good thyroid function and production of red blood cells respectively.

How to use it

Click here to read more.

© Savvy Tokyo

©2024 GPlusMedia Inc.

2 Comments
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Great seasoning. I use it in place of plain pepper.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

The recipe for this spice mix is really easy to follow, and even moderately-stocked kitchen spice cupboards have at least half the required ingredients. I once paid about ¥400 for a small, 17-gram bottle of the stuff, and then started making my own. I can get at least ten times that amount of spice mix for about the same price for raw ingredients. It's good, very good, but you should really make your own.

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