Gomashio facts for kids
| Type | Condiment |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | Japan |
| Main ingredients | Sesame seeds, salt |
Gomashio (also spelled gomasio) is a simple but tasty dry seasoning from Japan. It is a mix of sesame seeds and salt. People often sprinkle it on plain rice or onigiri (Japanese rice balls). It is a bit like furikake, which is another popular Japanese topping. Sometimes, store-bought gomashio even has a little sugar mixed in with the salt.
Contents
What is Gomashio?
Gomashio is a type of condiment. A condiment is something you add to food to give it more flavor. Think of it like salt and pepper or ketchup. In Japan, gomashio is a common part of Japanese cuisine. It is often used as a topping for dishes like sekihan, which is a special red bean and rice dish. It is also very popular on plain rice or onigiri.
How is Gomashio Made?
To make gomashio, people use sesame seeds. These can be either light-colored (tan) or black. The seeds are first toasted, which means they are gently heated until they are fragrant and slightly crispy. After toasting, the seeds are mixed with salt. Sometimes, the salt is also toasted to give it a deeper flavor.
The amount of sesame seeds compared to salt can change. This depends on how salty someone likes their food. Usually, there are about 5 to 15 parts of sesame seeds for every 1 part of salt. For example, if you use 15 spoons of sesame seeds, you would use 1 spoon of salt. Gomashio can be made at home, or you can buy it in stores in glass or plastic containers.
Gomashio and Healthy Eating
Gomashio is also used in something called the macrobiotic diet. This is a way of eating that focuses on natural, whole foods. In this diet, gomashio is seen as a healthier choice than just using regular salt. The gomashio used in macrobiotic cooking often has less salt. For some people on a very strict diet, they might use 18 parts of sesame seeds to just 1 part of salt. This type of gomashio is often ground by hand using a special Japanese bowl called a suribachi.
A Fun Fact About Hair
In the Japanese language, the word "gomashio" is also used to describe something else! It can describe a person's hair that has both white and black strands mixed together. This is similar to how people in English might say someone has "salt and pepper" hair.
See also
In Spanish: Gomashio para niños
