Kanja Budo Sansho Powder (かんじゃ山椒園 ぶどう山椒)

The story behind it

Aridagawa in Wakayama Prefecture is where budo sansho, the large-berried variety that fruits in grape-like clusters, originated. Japan's leading growing area has been kept alive on steep fields in the mountains.

Kanja Sansho-en grows budo sansho here and mills it so the aroma of the fresh-picked berry does not escape. The character is a bright, citrus-like aroma and a clean tingling heat on the tongue. Domestic and made with no additives, the powder is a different order of freshness from supermarket sansho.

Light on its feet, yet unmistakably present. A spice at home on a Japanese table or one on the other side of the world.