What is ayu in sushi?鮎
This time, I looked into the various names and seasons for sushi ayu.
How to call ayu
【ayu】sweet fish アユ 鮎
Ayu is also called year fish”. This name comes from the fact that the lifespan of sweetfish is said to be one year. It is also calledsilver mouth fish”, which was given this name because the sweetfish’s open mouth looks silver.
Another widely known name for sweetfish is “fragrant fish,” and this is because when you smell sweetfish, you can smell its unique sweet smell. As proof of this, sweetfish is called sweet fish in English-speaking countries.
The peak season for ayu
Ayu is said to be in season from June to August, when the fishing ban is lifted. During this period, sweetfish begin their spawning season, so they store plenty of nutrients and become delicious. In particular, young sweetfish caught in July are said to have soft bones and are delicious.
It is also said to be delicious from mid-August to October, when sweetfish with roe (falling sweetfish) are harvested. Ayu fish at this time of year are loaded with eggs, and many people like them for their delicious flavor.
However, in order to protect the resource, fishing for sweetfish is prohibited in many places from November to May. Therefore, you cannot enjoy sweetfish during this period.
Based on the above information, the season for sweetfish is mainly from early summer to summer and autumn. By tasting ayu during each season, you can enjoy its deliciousness to the fullest.
