If there were a perfect condiment to all things savoury this organic macrobiotic gomasio would be it!
What is Macrobiotics?
Before delving into the goodness that is freshly toasted gomasio, let’s first talk macrobiotic diets as it was how we were originally introduced to this ‘miracle’ condiment – yes it tastes that good! So what is macrobiotics? Our British friends over at the Macrobiotic Guide put it simply as an approach to holistic wellness (physical and emotional) through consuming largely unprocessed nutritious food that is also balanced energetically using the yin and yang principals. Macrobiotic diets are typically high-fibre, low-fat, lots of grains and veggies with minimal consumption of meat and dairy products consumed ~ think of these as situated at the top of the food pyramid rather than the bottom. For more information on Macrobiotic diets and their Japanese origins head over to the Macrobiotic Guide or My Body & Soul.
What is Gomasio?
A quick Google search will tell identify the Japanese origins of Gomasio (or Gomashio) along with a number of fairly similar recipes for the tasty macrobiotic seasoning. At it’s most basic, Gomasio is essentially lightly toasted sesame seed salt which can be altered to create higher mineral content seasonings (E.g. with the addition of dried seaweed, herbs and spices etc). Our spin on the recipe is the addition of organic ground black peppercorns to boost the mineral content whilst keeping it readily appropriate to accompany any savoury dish!
Cooking Tips:
With a number of readily available, tried and tested macrobiotic gomasio recipes available online we thought to put together key tips to keep in mind whilst bringing our favourite Japanese condiment to life! Here we go:
All salt is not created equal!
With around 6 different types of salt hailing from land and sea it is important to pay particular attention to the quality and type of salt used when making gomasio. Traditional Japanese recipes call for sea salt, however we like opting for pink river salts, such as Murray River Gourmet Salt, due to their increased mineral content and the fact that it’s local to the country we’re based in.
Open sesame!
According to NutrionData seeds are extremely low in sodium and cholesterol whilst being a great source of copper and manganese. To maximise the nutritional properties of gomasio it is important to slowly toast the seeds (to avoid burning them) until they start to open and release their oils. In doing so, this will provide additional health benefits for skin, heart, bones and emotional wellbeing – more info on this can be found over here.
Go organic and source local where possible!
If you haven’t yet noticed we are strong ambassadors and believers in using quality organic ingredients. This is not only due to the increased personal health benefits (E.g. avoidance of nasty chemicals) but also the wider positive impacts on the environment and farming communities. The certified organic cracked black peppercorns used in this recipe are obviously what we sell through our online store. Whilst we highly recommend them as they tick all the boxes (premium taste & positive environmental and community impacts), sourcing organic ingredients whether through us or another enterprise is a good habit to get into!
Certified Organic Cracked Black Peppercorns (80g)
Premium certified organic cracked Black Peppercorns from the pristine eco-systems of the Vanuatu islands. Sun-dried and stone ground for best quality flavour, creating positive community impacts with every purchase!
Delicious and nutritious organic macrobiotic gomasio with the addition of organic ground black peppercorns to boost the mineral content. The perfect readily appropriate to accompany any savoury dish!
Delicious and nutritious organic macrobiotic gomasio with the addition of organic ground black peppercorns to boost the mineral content. The perfect readily appropriate to accompany any savoury dish!
Heat a heavy pan (preferably iron based) over medium heat and toast salt until greyish in colour and set aside. Stir consistently to avoid burning.
Add sesame seeds to pan and toast until golden and begin to open and release the oils. Stirring consistently is key to avoid burning! Lower heat if too high.
Grind sesame seeds, salt and pepper in a mortar and pestle till well combined and seeds are resembling a somewhat fine texture (approximately 90% crushed).
Use immediately or store in a sealed container in the fridge if you can resist not devouring them immediately!
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