Sevenband Grouper · 真羽太 (まはた)

The aristocrat of the grouper clan — firm, gelatin-rich white flesh that turns silken after a few days' rest, with a deep, sweet umami few shiromi can match.

A mahata past a metre earns a new name — kannagi, 'the shrine priest' — and a single landing can headline a fishing port's week.

Category: shiromi · Season: winter (peak Dec, Jan, Feb) · Origin: Japan (Kyushu), Mie, Wakayama

Preparations

Nigiri 握り · Sashimi 刺身 · Kobujime 昆布締め · Aburi 炙り

Shun 旬 — a field guide and tasting diary for sushi lovers.