Gomasco - Spicy Sesame Chili Seasoning, Yamada, Japan

The name gives it away: it contains the suffix of Tabasco. Goma is the Japanese word for sesame. But of course, the taste is totally Japanese. Rich in umami, a few drops can add a nutty heat to ramen, pasta, pizza, and dressings. A perennial hit at the Berlin Chili Festival! The Yamada Sesame Oil Manufactory was founded in Kyoto in 1934 by Yutaka Yamada, the grandfather of the current owner. Yamada-san, who was struggling with health issues, changed his diet under the guidance of Sakurazawa-san, the founder of macrobiotics. His physical recovery inspired Yamada-san to change his lifestyle, and so, under the guidance of the macrobiotic master, he began producing the first sesame oil. Today, the company, with its 50 employees, produces not only its signature sesame oil but also other products made from the finest sesame seeds. All products are carefully handcrafted using traditional methods without the use of artificial flavorings.