Who would have thought that superfoods have been present in Japan since the 17th century and more surprisingly, it is made of different ingredients turned into a super spice that is revered? And this old spice is as nutritious as any superfoods of today. Keep reading to know more about shichimi.
Japanese Superfood Shichimi
For this article, we will introduce shichimi and why it is considered a superfood. Also, we will include some recipes you can try with shichimi. Enjoy!
1. What is shichimi?
Shichimi is also called seven spice powder or shichimi togarashi in Japanese. It consists mainly of ground red chili peppers, ground sansho, chenpi, black and white sesame seeds, aonori or nori, ginger, combined into the known as the superfood shichimi. Often, it is added with shiso, garlic, poppy seeds and hemp seeds. It was first known to be sold by herb dealers in Edo, presently known as Tokyo for medicinal purposes. It’s no wonder it is highly beneficial to the body due to its mixture of herbs, seeds and spices. But what are their health benefits?
2. Health Benefits
- Vitamins and minerals – Shichimi is packed with vitamins and minerals namely vitamin A, C, E, iron, calcium, fiber, and zinc.
- Stomach Health – Because of szechuan peppers, shichimi is also anti-inflammatory, promotes good digestion and is high in antioxidants.
- Capsaicin – Capsaicin, an active component, is present in red chili peppers in shichimi which has several health properties which helps in relieving muscle pains, clears sinus congestion, aids in weight loss and promotes blood circulation.
- Iodine – Shichimi is also rich in iron and iodine which aids in thyroid problems thanks to nori.
- Bone health – Due to its high content of magnesium and calcium from shichimi’s ingredients, it promotes bone health, preserving bone density thus, it prevents bone problems such as osteoporosis.
- Immune System booster – Citrus peel is high in vitamin C which protects the body against common sickness such as fever, colds, stomach and headaches.
- Cure to discomfort – Ginger in shichimi helps in joint pains, sore throats, indigestion and bloating.
3. How to Use Shichimi
You would definitely ditch salt and pepper once you come across shichimi for it is both aromatic, spicy, and can be an alternative to salt and pepper, not to mention it is a cocktail of nutrition. And it is used in various recipes as it is versatile. It is added as a condiment in soba, various vegetable cuisines, rice toppings, okonomiyaki, miso soup, konnyaku taki, udon, yakitori, etc.
Try this very simple unique recipe!
Japanese Spice Pumpkin
Ingredients:
1 Japanese Spice Pumpkin
1 tsp shichimi togarashi
1 ½ thyme leaves
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1 tsp butter
Steps:
1. Preheat your oven to 450 degrees.
2. Slice the pumpkins to medium sized wedges.
3. Place the pumpkin in the bowl and mix it with olive oil, salt and thyme.
3. Cook it into the oven for 15-20 minutes.
4. Sprinkle butter on the pumpkin and cook it in the oven for 4-5 minutes until it caramelizes.
5. Place the cooked pumpkins in the serving bowl and sprinkle it with shichimi.
6. Serve!
Conclusion
Shichimi can be a part of your favorite condiment in the kitchen. Not only is it super nutritious but it will surely be refreshing to your home-cooked dishes as it will renew its tastes. In fact, take it like the cherry on top together with your health supplements for it is safe to add it to your daily meals. Plus, you’d also be leaving a good impression on families and guests at home for a dish with a unique punch. So what do you think of shichimi?
References:
https://www.shichimi.net/en/nice-use.html
https://www.goodfood.com.au/recipes/neil-perrys-japanesespiced-pumpkin-20180219-h0wbjc