Shichi-mi tōgarashi (七味唐辛子), also known as nana-iro tōgarashi (七色唐辛子) or simply shichimi, is a common Japanese spice mixture containing seven ingredients. Tōgarashi is the Japanese name for Capsicum annuum peppers, and it is this ingredient that makes shichimi spicy.

Etymology

"Shichi" means seven, and "togarashi" is the red chili pepper Capsicum annuum. The blend is also called nanami togarashi. In the United States, shichimi is sometimes referred to as "Nanami." Both names translate to "seven flavors," but "Nanami" is often used in branding for ease of pronunciation among English speakers. While "shichi" (七) and "nana" (七) both mean "seven" in Japanese, "nana" has a more familiar sound in English, leading to the alternative name.

Ingredients

A typical blend may contain: Some recipes may substitute or supplement these with rapeseed or shiso. Shichimi is distinguished from ichi-mi tōgarashi (一味唐辛子), which is simply ground red chili pepper.

Use

The blend is traditionally used as a finishing spice. It is ubiquitous in restaurants in Japan; a shaker is sometimes on every table along with salt and pepper shakers and bottles of soy sauce. It is often consumed with soups and on noodles and gyūdon. Some rice products, such as rice cakes, agemochi and roasted rice crackers, also use it for seasoning.

History

Shichimi dates back at least to the 17th century, when it was produced by herb dealers in Edo, current day Tokyo, and sometimes it is referred to as Yagenbori (薬研堀). Most shichimi sold today come from one of three kinds, sold near temples: Yagenbori (やげん堀) sold near Sensō-ji, Shichimiya (七味家) sold near Kiyomizu-dera, and Yawataya Isogorō (八幡屋磯五郎) sold near Zenkō-ji.

Culture

In modern times, the product is generally sold as a formulated product, but in the past it was prepared and sold according to the customer's needs (七味唐辛子売り). Even today, performances can be seen at festival stalls.