Gomasio: the Japanese secret to salting differently
Do you know the gomasio This seemingly simple, age-old Japanese condiment hides an unsuspected richness. At a time when we are trying to reduce our salt consumption without sacrificing taste, gomasio is back in the spotlight as a natural, tasty and full of benefits alternative .
What is gomasio?
The word gomasio comes from the contraction of two Japanese words:
- "goma" (ごま): sesame
- "shio" (塩): salt
This is a traditional blend composed mainly of roasted sesame seeds and a small amount of unrefined sea salt . The whole thing is ground together so that the salt crystals are coated with the natural oils of the sesame.
The result: a dry, crunchy condiment with a slightly toasted flavor, which provides a unique depth of taste to dishes, while significantly reducing sodium intake.
A thousand-year-old history
Gomasio has been used for centuries in Japanese cuisine, particularly in Buddhist temples where a strict vegetarian diet is followed. It was popularized in the West in the 1960s and 1970s thanks to the Japanese vegetarian movement. macrobiotic , which considers it a balancing "yin-yang" food.
The benefits of gomasio :
Salt reduction without compromise
Gomasio contains up to 10 times less salt than a classic seasoning. A great way to gently salt while avoiding excess sodium, often linked to hypertension or cardiovascular disease.
A concentrate of nutrients
Sesame is a small seed full of great things:
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Iron
- Zinc
- Plant proteins
- And good ones unsaturated fats
- Taste, crunch, roundness
With his unique texture and his grilled aroma , gomasio adds depth to all types of dishes: salads, soups, roasted vegetables, rice, eggs, avocado toast, etc.
How to use gomasio?
It's easy! Sprinkle it on as a finishing touch, just like you would salt or Parmesan. It instantly transforms a plain dish into one full of character.
And if you like gomasio, you will also love… furikakés , its even more complete Japanese cousins, with seaweed, spices or dried vegetables to take the taste even further!
Have you heard of FURIFURI? It's the first 100% natural furikaké made in France with seaweed from Brittany, available for purchase at furifuri.com
