Yamatsu Tsujita Co. Ltd. is located just outside Osaka, Japan. Fourth generation owner Tsujita-san is passionate about his spices and has gone so far as to single-handedly save the cultivation of Japanese Takanotsume (Hawk's Claw) chili. This chili is highlighted in his shichimi togarashi. This wonderful seasonal shichimi togarashi really shows off Tsujita-san’s mastery at blending spices. Shokibarai means “to dispel the summer heat” and Gokujyou means “best quality”. So Tsujita-san has made this extra-spicy blend to help you beat the heat. All over Asia, people eat spicy foods in the blistering summer because doing so makes them perspire, which is the body’s way to cool off. If you have tried any of Tsujita’s shichimi togarashi before you know they pack a punch, but this one comes out with a hot zing that your tongue feels right away. The distinct chili heat in the beginning is very different from his other blends, but then it builds into a harmony of flavors working interchangeably. The burn on your tongues leaves you craving more… Use this seven spice mix to add some heat to any meat dish, noodles, ramen, chilled somen, miso soup or whatever you want to spice up so you can cool down. Keep in freezer when not using to preserve freshness. Ingredients: red chili pepper, golden sesame seeds, black sesame seeds, Japanese pepper (sansho), dried yuzu peel, seaweed, poppy seeds, shiso