SPICE IT UP Furikake: Japanese seasoning Isn't it time you enlivened your tastes buds with something you've never tried before? This next spice isn’t just one spice on it’s on but several spices or a blend of spices that are just right for Japanese food or any other food for that matter. Furikake is a traditional Japanese seasoning that is sprinkled on cooked food. In some ways like shichimi togarashi seasoning, furikake seasoning has not only toasted sesame seeds in it but also black sesame seeds that combine to give you a delectable nutty flavour. But wait, will it have monosodium glutamate I hear you ask as so often spice blends in Asian cuisine do? Well, here’s the thing, with 50 years of sourcing and mixing spice blends, Ian Hemphill is just the man to find a substitute for MSG without compromising the flavour of just such a spice blend Fuikake also has the combination of  salt, nori flakes or nagi, to add that classic Japanese profile when it comes to flavour. Also orange peel, Sichuan pepper and Australian lemon myrtle. Furikake goes well with rice, on top of eggs, seafood and on top of white or red meat.   Miso soup with furikake eggs. photo courtesy www.herbies.com.au  Let’s find out more bout this fabulous spice. I'm talking with Ian Hempill, owner of www.herbies.com.au Ian has been a regular on RWG for many years but never has he admitted to carrying emergency spices in his pocket before. Ian carries Furikake spice in his pocket in the off-chance he’s going to snack on some sushi. How good is that? If you have any questions about spices why not email us at [email protected] or write in to 2RRR PO Box 644 Gladesville