New pepper seeds sourced from Japan!

This year we decided to bring in a number of pepper seeds directly from Japan to grow here in North America. The seeds were hand picked for their significance in Japanese cooking. We know you will see the difference in the peppers grown from the source compared to those that were previously domestically available. See below for some of the authentic seeds we have brought in to grow from Japan.

Shishito Seeds

Shishito peppers are a beloved Japanese pepper known for their slender shape, vibrant green color, and mild, slightly sweet flavor, with an occasional pepper offering a surprising touch of heat. A staple in Japanese cuisine, shishitos are commonly blistered, grilled, or pan-seared and served as a simple appetizer, side dish, or flavorful addition to a variety of dishes. Valued in Japan for their versatility and delicate flavor, these peppers have become increasingly popular with home gardeners and cooks around the world. We found that our Shishitos grew larger than that of its domestic counterpart. This is a must grow for any cook.

Himo Tougarashi

Himotogarashi is a traditional Japanese chili pepper prized for its slender, elongated fruits, vibrant red color, and bold, spicy flavor. Often dried and used as a seasoning, it adds depth and heat to Japanese dishes such as 七味唐辛子 (shichimi togarashi), the popular seven-spice blend used to season noodles, soups, grilled meats, and rice dishes. Its striking appearance and versatility make Himotogarashi a fascinating variety for both Japanese cuisine and home gardens, and we carry seeds so you can grow this distinctive pepper yourself. This pepper has to be our favorite new addition from this line up. The pepper tastes just as the spice does. For those who use togarashi in cooking or on ramen, you know exactly what I am talking about. This pepper is used to make togarashi powder as well that you now can grow at home. 

Yatsufusa

Yatsufusa is a traditional Japanese pepper variety known for its clusters of small, slender fruits and vibrant red color. The name “Yatsufusa” translates roughly to “eight clusters,” reflecting the way the peppers grow in bunches along the plant. With a bright, moderately spicy flavor, Yatsufusa peppers are widely used in Japanese cooking and are excellent for drying, pickling, or adding heat to dishes. One popular use is Japanese chili oil (Rayu), where dried Yatsufusa peppers are infused into oil with garlic and other aromatics to create a fragrant, spicy condiment for ramen, gyoza, stir-fries, and noodles. We carry Yatsufusa pepper seeds so you can grow this distinctive Japanese variety in your own garden.

Takano Tsume

Takano Tsumе, meaning “hawk’s claw” in Japanese, is a classic Japanese chili pepper named for its distinctive curved shape and pointed tip. The slender peppers mature from green to a brilliant red and offer a sharp, moderately hot flavor that is especially well suited to drying and adding heat to Japanese dishes. Takano Tsumе is commonly used in kinpira, a traditional Japanese stir-fried dish of vegetables such as burdock and carrot, where a few dried peppers add a lively kick. We carry Takano Tsumе seeds so you can grow this distinctive Japanese pepper in your own garden.