#yuzukoshō

Yuzukoshō (柚子胡椒), literally “yuzu pepper”, is a spicy condiment from Japan’s subtropical, southernmost island, Kyushu. Traditionally used to season nabe (鍋), Japanese hot pot, and sashimi (刺身), yuzukoshō is made from only four ingredients: 1) yuzu, a grapefruit-like Japanese citrus 2) chili peppers – usually green but sometimes red, 3) sea salt, and 4) time - yuzukoshō is slightly fermented. It has a clean salty-spicy flavor but it is the tart, floral, and bittersweet notes of yuzu which make yuzukoshō unique. Notably, many Western chefs are beginning to discover yuzukoshō and it is finding its way into inventive marinades, sauces, and other applications. Yuzukoshō isn’t terribly expensive and can be found at Japanese groceries and online.