Spanish Mackerel · 鰆 (さわら)

Refined and elegant with a mild richness. The kanji literally contains 'spring' — a harbinger of the season.

Sawara is so tender it falls apart under a careless knife — many chefs sear the skin to firm it up and wake its quiet oils.

Category: shiromi · Season: spring (peak Mar, Apr, May) · Origin: Japan, Korea

Preparations

Nigiri 握り · Sashimi 刺身 · Aburi 炙り · Saikyo-yaki 西京焼き · Temaki 手卷

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