Sardine · 鰯 (いわし)

Often overlooked but deeply flavorful. Fresh sardine sushi is a revelation — rich, oily, and bright.

Raw iwashi nigiri is a modern luxury — the fish spoils so fast it only reached sushi counters after refrigeration caught up with it.

Category: hikarimono · Season: summer (peak Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep) · Origin: Japan, Mediterranean, Pacific

Preparations

Nigiri 握り · Sashimi 刺身 · Temaki 手卷