294375 Thu Oct 09 16:48:58 -0700 2003 5 27 General Chowhounding Topics 0 1614284 A friend left town and gave me the contents of her spice rack inlcuding a bottle of Shichimi Togarashi. It appears to be some sort of mix and smells peppery. Does anyone know what it is and how it is used? Thu Oct 09 16:48:58 -0700 2003 0 JessicaKlonsky 1 1614294 Shichimi Togarashi is usually sprinkled on udon or soba soups, but never on ramen (you use chili oil for ramen). I like to sprinkle a little on a katsu don on in tempura sauce for just a bit of kick. Its traditional use is for most soy-dashi-based soups and such. Shichimi literally means 7-spice, and is a blend of peppers and spices, including hemp. Thu Oct 09 17:28:57 -0700 2003 1614284 0 Eric Eto 2 1614434 I thought those little seeds looked awfully familiar (well, from my younger days). I have always wondered about them. Where do they come from? I can't see Japan growing a lot of hemp for this purpose. And would it be termed "industrial" hemp, "food-grade" or what? Fri Oct 10 13:03:30 -0700 2003 1614294 0 Tobias 2 1614453 Unless I am misremembering, this mix also contains prickly ash berries/sansho which is related to the szechuan peppercorn; I believe some are trying to use them as a substitute these days with the peppercorn ban tho they dont taste quite the same. Is that right? Fri Oct 10 15:09:55 -0700 2003 1614294 0 jen kalb 1 1614302 OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO yeah this is Japanese and its actually a blend of spices; white & black sesame seeds poppy seeds, togarashi (which is chili powder), orange or tangerine peel and some other goodies that escape my mind at this time It is usally called "7 flavor mix" and is often a table condiment for noodles and soups. I like it on steamed veggies. Most of the time folks will make their own so tht they can vary the spices to fit their taste. I prefer less poppy seed and more pepper than most store brands carry. Ay any rate you have a treat! Enjoy Thu Oct 09 18:06:09 -0700 2003 1614284 0 Katherine Asher-OHare 1 1614307 I like it on rice with natto and soy sauce. Thu Oct 09 19:07:30 -0700 2003 1614284 0 specialteach