What is namako in sushi?海鼠
This time, I looked into the various names and seasons for sushi namako.
How to call namako
【namako】sea cucumber; sea slug ナマコ 海鼠
There are many types of sea cucumbers, with around 200 species confirmed in Japan alone, and more than 1,500 species worldwide. Of these, about 20 species are edible, including Manamako. The way sea cucumbers are called in Japan varies depending on the region, and it is said that they were sometimes called by other names than sea cucumbers in ancient books such as Kaijin, Chason, and Deigai. In addition, as times changed, it was called Iriko” andKonowata.”
The peak season for namako
Sea cucumbers are mainly in season during the winter, and are said to be at their most delicious from December to February. However, the season may vary depending on the region and type.
Most sea cucumbers are caught between November and March, when the seawater temperature drops and they become more active. Also, the spawning season is from spring to summer, and in some areas it is considered to be in season during this period.
The main production area is Ishikawa Prefecture, which accounts for about 21% of the total. In addition, large quantities are landed in Chiba and Niigata prefectures.
