What is amaebi in sushi?甘海老
This time, I looked into the various names and seasons for sushi amaebi.
How to call amaebi
【amaebi】raw shrimp アマエビ 甘海老
The name Amaebi became popular in Ishikawa and Toyama prefectures, where it was caught. The official name of the place is Hokkoku Aka Ebi (Hokkoku Red Shrimp). The origin of the name comes from the sweetness of the flesh, as the name suggests. By the way, the official name in English-speaking countries is “Pandalus eous.”
In Niigata Prefecture, the northern red shrimp is called “Nanban shrimp” because its appearance resembles a red chili pepper.
The peak season for amaebi
The season for sweet shrimp (Hokkokuakaebi) varies depending on the region and type, but generally it is as follows.
Hokkaido: The season is from March to May, when the fishing season ends. Sweet shrimp is considered to be the most delicious during this season, from late autumn to winter, when the seawater temperature drops.
Hokuriku region (Niigata Prefecture, Toyama Prefecture, Ishikawa Prefecture, etc.): The season is from September when the fishing season ends until winter. However, there are catches throughout the year.
Also, there is a period during the growth process when sweet shrimp is at its most delicious. Amaebi do not have sex until they are 3 years old, and when they are 4 to 5 years old, they become male and begin mating with female amaebi. From the age of 5 onwards, they become female, and after mating with the male Amaebi, they begin to carry eggs. This 5-year-old sweet shrimp, which changes from male to female, has a very firm body and is considered to be in season.
If you can get fresh sweet shrimp, please try it as sashimi. You can enjoy the delicate and soft texture of sweet shrimp.
