SEED PEPPER Chilies Japones- Yatsufusa, Santaka Shichimi Togarashi or Ichimi Togarashi, Shishito, Fushimi
Here are descriptions of the four Japanese pepper varieties:
### 1. **Yatsufusa (Yatufusa)**
- **Background**: Yatsufusa is a traditional Japanese chili pepper often used in making shichimi togarashi, a spice mix. It has been cultivated for many years in Japan.
- **Scoville Heat Units (SHU)**: 20,000–30,000 SHU. It has a significant heat level but is less intense than many super-hot varieties.
- **Fruit Characteristics**: The peppers are long, slender, and grow in clusters. They are usually 2 to 3 inches long, ripening from green to red.
- **Plant Height**: Typically, the plants grow to about 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) in height.
- **Flavor**: Yatsufusa peppers are spicy with a slightly smoky flavor. They are often used dried or in powdered form for Japanese dishes.
### 2. **Santaka**
- **Background**: The Santaka pepper is another popular Japanese chili, known for its use in various Japanese dishes, particularly stir-fries and soups.
- **Scoville Heat Units (SHU)**: 20,000–40,000 SHU. These peppers have a medium to hot spice level.
- **Fruit Characteristics**: The peppers are 2 to 3 inches long, narrow, and conical, maturing from green to red. They grow upright on the plant.
- **Plant Height**: Santaka plants typically grow about 18–24 inches tall.
- **Flavor**: Santaka peppers have a bright, zesty heat with a slightly citrusy undertone, often used fresh or dried.
### 3. **Shishito**
- **Background**: Shishito peppers are mild Japanese peppers, commonly used for grilling or frying as appetizers. They are increasingly popular outside Japan, particularly in the U.S. and Europe.
- **Scoville Heat Units (SHU)**: 100–1,000 SHU. Shishitos are typically very mild, though about 1 in 10 can have a surprising heat.
- **Fruit Characteristics**: The fruits are slender, about 2 to 4 inches long, with thin walls. They mature from green to red but are usually eaten when green.
- **Plant Height**: The plants can reach around 18–24 inches in height.
- **Flavor**: Mild and sweet when cooked, with a slightly smoky, grassy flavor. Shishito peppers are often blistered in hot oil and served with sea salt.
### 4. **Fushimi**
- **Background**: Fushimi is a traditional Japanese sweet pepper variety often used in tempura or sautéed dishes.
- **Scoville Heat Units (SHU)**: 0–100 SHU. This pepper is extremely mild, with little to no heat.
- **Fruit Characteristics**: The peppers are long and slender, typically about 5 to 7 inches long, with thin, glossy green skin. They mature to a bright red if left on the plant.
- **Plant Height**: Plants usually grow about 24 inches tall.
- **Flavor**: Sweet and crisp, Fushimi peppers have a delicate flavor and are perfect for quick cooking methods like stir-frying or tempura.
These Japanese pepper varieties offer a range of heat levels and flavors, from spicy Yatsufusa and Santaka to the milder Shishito and sweet Fushimi.