Mishima Yukari Shiso Furikake and its Usage by Japanese

When I think of furikake that represents Japan, what comes to my mind right away is Mishima Yukari (三島 ゆかり), together with Marumiya Noritama.

For the unfamiliar, Furikake is a traditional Japanese rice seasoning/condiment consisting of dry granules or tiny flakes processed from various ingredients.

And what I introduce here, Yukari (ゆかり) is a product of shiso furikake that the Hiroshima-based food company Mishima Foods (三島食品) released in 1970.

Mishima Yukari Shiso Furikake

The Mishima Yukari furikake (26 grams) (Price: 130 yen/about 1 USD) has been a staple in many households in Japan today, loved by all ages.

And the rice seasoning’s main ingredient is dry granules made from herby red shiso leaves.

Red shiso, also known as red perilla, is the Japanese basil commonly used in the pickled Ume plums Umeboshi (梅干し).

Thus, the Yukari shiso furikake makes such a good pair with the pickle that, in its series, there is even a product of shiso furikake mixed with dried bits of Umeboshi.

The taste of the Yukari rice seasoning brings back memories of my childhood

because when I was small, my mother used to make Onigiri rice balls for me using the shiso furikake.

Uses

You can use the Yukari furikake the same way as other furikake seasonings by simply sprinkling it on a warm bowl of white rice.

But some Japanese people like to use it as a versatile seasoning, so lastly, let me introduce how they use the shiso furikake.

In Ochazuke

Image: recipe.rakuten.co.jp

Ochazuke (お茶漬け) or Chazuke (茶漬け) is a Japanese comfort food consisting of a bowl of steamed plain rice entirely soaked in hot green tea or soup.

Some Japanese like to use the Yukari furikake as a soup base for the dish, and they typically prepare it like this.

1. Sprinkle the shiso powder on a bowl of white rice
2. Pour boiling water until it entirely covers the rice
3. Garnish the Chazuke with your desired toppings like shredded nori seaweed 
4. Enjoy the Yukari Ochazuke!

With Ponzu Sauce

Image: recipe.rakuten.co.jp

The Yukari furikake pairs well with ponzu sauce, so first, let’s sprinkle it over a dish of fresh vegetable salad or boiled noodles such as udon, soba, or pasta.

Then, dress the food with ponzu sauce, and the shiso furikake will impart its nicely fragrant taste to them.

In Udon/Soba Noodle Soups

Image: cookpad.com

The Yukari shiso furikake goes well on a bowl of udon/soba, so let’s sprinkle it on the noodle soup. It gives the bowl a pleasant acidity.

However, don’t put too much since the condiment contains quite a lot of salt.

Ingredients/Nutrition Facts

Ingredients in the Mishima Yukari Furikake

Red shiso (perilla), Salt, Ume vinegar, Sugar, Amino acid seasoning, Acidifier

Nutritional Values

Nutritional Values per 1 gram

Calories	2 kcal
Protein	0.09 g
Fat	0.02 g
Carbohydrates	0.36 g
Salt equivalents	0.48 g