This series is made using 100% Kagawa Hontaka chili peppers, which is said to be one of the first agricultural produce to come to Kagawa Prefecture. Also, legend has it that the chili peppers were offered by Toyotomi Hideyoshi as spoils of war when the Shiwaku Suigun pirates in Sanuki region joined the invasions of Korea.
Grown in Kagawa’s warm, dry weather with little rainfall and well-drained soil, the chili peppers are characterized by their large size, bright red color, and rich umami flavors and strong pungency. In fact, the brand name “Oni Bikkuri” describes the spiciness of the chili peppers to the point that even surprises “oni” demons.
Although there are many kinds of chili peppers, Kagawa Hontaka is known to be of the highest quality and the hottest among the domestic traditional varieties. Once known as “phantom chili pepper” as it had almost disappeared from the market, Kagawa Hontaka has been now revived owing to the company’s effort in starting its production without using chemical fertilizers or pesticides from the seeds obtained from the local organization dedicated to agricultural improvement.
Infused with the producer’s passion for keeping the valuable domestic chili peppers alive, this series of product lets you savor the distinctive pungent and umami flavors of Kagawa. In order to maintain the color and the flavors, the chili peppers were slowly dried in low temperature. Apart from the “ichimi togarashi” powder and coarsely ground chili peppers, “shichimi togarashi,” or a blend of seven domestic spices is also available.