Yuzu Shichimi: 7 Spice Blend with Citrus Zest

When it comes to traditional Japanese spice, “Shichimi Togarashi (七味唐辛子)” or “Shichimi (七味)” has been a long-time favorite in Japan. 

It is a traditional seasoning/condiment made up of 7 aromatic spices. The first ingredient is the ground red chili pepper, while the other six vary depending on the maker. 

We Japanese use the spice mix by sprinkling dishes, including soba and udon noodles, miso soup, Gyudon beef bowl, and Tsukemono pickles.

The taste of Shichimi Togarashi is slightly spicy, and the addition can make food flavorful.

Although the main ingredient is traditionally a ground red chili pepper, Shichimi Togarashi can also use dried citrus peels from Yuzu.

Yuzu Shichimi (柚子七味)

The Shichimi Togarashi blended with the zest from the citrus fruit Yuzu is generally called “Yuzu Shichimi (柚子七味)”.

As you can see in the photo, Yuzu looks like an orange, but the fruit isn’t sweet and sour. Instead, it has a pleasant fragrance that makes people relaxed.

The proportion of Yuzu zest in this Shichimi is 50 percent. Hence, this one is much more floral than regular Shichimi Togarashi.

Ingredients 

Specifically, according to the ingredient list on the side of the bottle,

this Yuzu Shichimi consists of Yuzu peel, red chili pepper, black sesame seed, hemp seed, poppy seed, Aonori seaweed, and Sansho pepper.

Uses

Even though Yuzu Shichimi is different in flavor/taste from regular Shichimi Togarashi, their usage is the same.

So you can use Yuzu Shichimi too in udon noodle soup.

(Reference Page: Wikipedia 七味唐辛子 )