Mackerel · 鯖 (さば)

Bold, assertive, and unapologetically rich. Cured with salt and vinegar in the classic shime-saba style.

Saba spoils within hours of being caught — the phrase 'saba wo yomu' (reading the mackerel) means to fudge numbers.

Category: hikarimono · Season: autumn (peak Sep, Oct, Nov) · Origin: Japan, Norway, Atlantic

Preparations

Nigiri 握り · Sashimi 刺身 · Shime 〆 · Aburi 炙り · Temaki 手卷

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