Silver-skinned
Pacific saury (Sanma)
【Nigiri sushi: Hikarimono】
Pacific saury is a relatively shallow-water fish that lives at approximately 20m below the surface and migrates in schools. However, sometimes they may jump over the surface of the sea, much like Flying fish, when escaping from natural enemies such as tuna.
Pacific saury fishing starts at the beginning of July. The Pacific saury hauled to the fishing ports of the eastern parts of Hokkaido are highly valued as the first of the season and have become a valued brand. Once September comes along, they migrate south for spawning grounds and are hauled to the fishing ports of Iwate or Miyagi prefectures or Choshi city in Chiba prefecture. They can be fished between July and November.
Sushi with saury fish has been disdained in traditional Edomae sushi, however, they can be seen everywhere nowadays. Tasty fatty autumn saury fish are cut with Kazari boucho (small cuts to make the topping look beautiful) and then served with grated ginger and green onion.