Speaking of fish from Akita Prefecture, this is it! 《Hatahata》 and 《shotsuru nabe》

``Sandfish'' is a fish also known as ``Shinariuo. ' ' It is a fish mainly caught on the Sea of ​​Japan side, and is famous nationwide as a specialty of Akita Prefecture, appearing in songs.

In Akita Prefecture, people have traditionally eaten dishes using sandfish during the harsh winters with blizzards. Today, with advances in marine production and preservation techniques, it is known as a fish that can be eaten all year round, but many residents seem to have the impression that sandfish is a winter fish

Sandfish is a must-try when you visit Akita. Let's talk about sandfish and the dishes that use it.

What kind of fish is Akita's prefectural fish, ``Sandfish''?

is designated as the prefectural fish of Akita Prefecture It is sung in Akita Ondo as ``Akita's specialty Yamori Hatahata~'' and also appears in the literature written about Akita by Sugae Masumi, a scholar in the late Edo period. Hatahata is a fish that is often associated with Akita Prefecture.

Sandfish is a winter fish that is caught in Akita Prefecture from around November when there are severe snowstorms and thunderstorms. It is said that the name Hatahata comes from the word ``Hatahata'', which refers to the rough waves of the sea in winter. It is also referred to as "Hatahata = the sound of rumbling thunder." Akita's winter sea has rough waves and thunder, and the sandfish that is caught in such conditions is a fish that is reminiscent of the winter sea and thunder. The sandfish is also known as the thunderfish, and is associated with winter and thunder. In Akita, it is also called ``Satakeuo'', which is the name of the lord.

Sandfish is a fish without scales and has almost no small bones. Even a bone that runs straight through can be easily chewed through cooking, so the whole bone is sometimes eaten. If you want to remove the bone, loosen it a little and it will slide out easily. It has a light taste and has almost no odor. That's why sandfish is used in many traditional dishes in Akita Prefecture.

Hatahata dishes and shottsuru

Sandfish is eaten in a variety of ways, including salt-grilled, simmered, sushi, dengaku, and kanro-ni. You should be able to see many processed sandfish products at souvenir shops in Akita Prefecture.

Izakaya in Akita Prefecture often serve Hatahata dishes throughout the year, and many tourists enjoy a glass of Akita Prefecture's specialty sake while enjoying Hatahata dishes, such as the famous "Kiritanpo Nabe". You can see the sights.

Among the various processed products and dishes made from sandfish, shottsuru is particularly famous. ``Shottsuru'' a fish sauce made from fermented sandfish . A pot made from shottsuru is also called ``shotsuru'' (shotsuru hotpot). Shotsuru nabe is a hotpot in which vegetables and sandfish are stewed, and shottsuru is used for seasoning. Sometimes a shell is used instead of a pot, in which case it is also called ``kayaki'' (shellfish grilled).

lastly

Hatahata grouper shottsuru, one of Akita Prefecture's traditional dishes, is served at many restaurants and is a delicious dish that you must try at least once when you visit Akita. Depending on the season, there are restaurants that grill fresh sandfish, so you can enjoy a variety of flavors with just one fish.

Sandfish, as the name suggests, is a fish that is indispensable to Akita's winter diet. It is both a traditional dish and a specialty dish. However, please be sure to try the Hatahata cuisine, which is also a home-cooked meal. Don't forget to try hot Akita sake!