The highest consumption of Musumiko in Japan! The appeal of hot rice accompaniment from the prefecture talks about [Aomori Prefecture]

For the people of Aomori, herring roe is not just a side dish to eat with rice. If you have herring roe for breakfast, that alone is enough to satisfy you. In fact, if you have herring roe, you don't need any other side dishes. It's common to see rows of herring roe lined up in supermarkets in Aomori, with a wide variety of salt levels and types

Why do the people of Aomori love her roe so much? We'll introduce you to the unique features of her roe in Aomori, local variations, and where you can buy it

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Why is salmon roe eaten so much in Aomori?

Why is herring roe so popular in Aomori Prefecture? After researching, I discovered that it has to do with Aomori's climate and food culture

Aomori Prefecture has the highest consumption of salmon roe in the country! The love of salmon roe among the people of Aomori Prefecture is incredible

Salmon roe is eaten daily in Aomori Prefecture, and it is the prefecture with the highest consumption in Japan! Salmon roe onigiri is often found at convenience stores, but in other prefectures, it seems to be rare and is not often seen

Herring roe served on freshly cooked rice is the ultimate treat during the cold winter. For the people of Aomori Prefecture, herring roe is not something special, but rather an everyday taste they have been familiar with since childhood. It has no fishy smell, making it easy to eat, and many people eat it as a snack on its own

Salmon roe becomes a popular preserved food

Aomori has long been a region with a thriving fishing industry. Thanks to the abundant salmon catch, herring roe has been a staple on Aomori dining tables for ages. In the days before refrigeration technology was developed, herring roe was preserved by salting, and it has a long history as a valuable source of protein in the winter

Furthermore, Aomori residents tend to prefer strongly salted food, and the saltiness of herring roe pairs perfectly with rice. By salting it, the flavor is concentrated, making it a popular accompaniment to rice for many years

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What makes Aomori's salmon roe different? What's its appeal?

The people of Aomori Prefecture love salmon roe. What is the secret behind its deliciousness? We will explore the appeal of Aomori salmon roe!

Each grain is firm and very satisfying to eat!

Aomori herring roe is characterized by its firmer grains compared to those from other regions. Each grain is large, and although not as large as salmon roe, you can enjoy the texture of it popping in your mouth. Some people may not like the fact that the tendons remain in their mouths, unlike salmon roe, but Aomori herring roe has thin skin and tendons so they do not remain in your mouth

The salting is also exquisitely balanced, not too salty, and just the right amount of saltiness goes perfectly with rice. The umami of the salmon roe is brought out perfectly, making it delicious even when eaten as is

A flavor loved by the people of the prefecture that pairs perfectly with rice!

" If I have salmon roe, I don't need any other side dishes ." In particular, salmon roe on freshly cooked rice is so delicious that you'll never forget it once you've tried it.

Also, in Aomori, the way to separate salmon roe is unique, and it is not cut with a knife. If you cut it with a knife, the grains will be crushed, releasing their juices, and the cut surface will dry out, reducing its flavor by half. If possible, tear it into bite-sized pieces with your hands or chopsticks. When separating it, do not use force, and handle it gently so as not to crush the grains

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A salmon roe arrangement unique to Aomori!

We will introduce a unique way of eating salmon roe that is unique to Aomori, a place that loves salmon roe

Dazai Donburi [A shocking combination of salmon roe and natto]

One unique Aomori way to eat salmon roe is the " Dazai-don ," a rice bowl made with salmon roe and natto, said to have been a favorite of the Aomori-born literary figure, Osamu Dazai.

Mixing salty salmon roe with sticky natto is a surprisingly good combination. The richness of the natto and the umami of the salmon roe blend together, making you want to eat more and more rice. Many Aomori residents mixing salmon roe and natto is the best, and although it's a simple dish, once you try it you'll be hooked.

Salmon roe roll [The main focus is on the salmon roe rather than the rice]

Sushi restaurants in Aomori have a menu item called " Sujiko Maki " that is irresistible for salmon roe lovers. This is a luxurious sushi roll with far more salmon roe than rice.

While regular sushi rolls have a high proportion of rice, Aomori's sujiko rolls are truly centered around salmon roe. The more you chew, the more the umami of salmon roe fills your mouth, and it pairs perfectly with the flavor of the seaweed. Some people might think it's too salty, but it's more umami than salty, and it's the perfect dish to pair with sake! If you see it at a sushi restaurant in Aomori, be sure to give it a try

[Unexpectedly delicious] Smoked salmon roe

It may be shocking, but smoked herring roe is delicious! Unlike regular herring roe, it has a sticky texture that is addictive. The surface of the herring roe is dried for about an hour, and then cold smoked for about three hours to complete. It is served at smoked food specialty shops and izakayas in Hirosaki City, so if you're interested, give it a try

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If you want to buy delicious salmon roe in Aomori, this is the place!

Easy to purchase at your local supermarket

Herring roe is sold as a matter of course in supermarkets in Aomori. There are many varieties available. The taste varies depending on whether it is salted or pickled in soy sauce, so it's fun to find your favorite herring roe

Get fresh salmon roe at the market!

You can buy even fresher salmon roe at markets such as Niji no Mart in Hirosaki, Auga Fresh Market in Aomori, Elm in Goshogawara, and Hasshoku Center in Hachinohe. All of these markets are stocked with fresh seafood and prepared foods, so be sure to check them out when you visit Aomori

Order your specially selected salmon roe from PORT (Okamura Foods)

If you want to enjoy Aomori salmon roe at home, we recommend ordering it from PORT, operated by Okamura Foods. This high-quality salmon roe, made by a specialized salmon roe processing company, can be enjoyed anywhere in the country

Also, if you are traveling to Aomori Prefecture, try to find an Okamura Foods salmon roe vending machine. There are salmon roe vending machines at Aomori Airport and Shin-Aomori Station, so why not buy some as a souvenir from your trip?

Okamura Foods

• Purchase site: https://port-aomori.com/

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summary

Aomori Prefecture is the number one consumer of herring roe in Japan, and it is an indispensable food for the prefecture's residents. Aomori herring roe, characterized by its large size and rich flavor, pairs perfectly with rice. It is also enjoyed in unique arrangements such as "Dazai Donburi" and "Sujiko Roll." It can be easily purchased at markets and supermarkets, and can also be ordered from PORT

If you come to Aomori, be sure to try authentic salmon roe. Just put it on hot rice and you'll be able to fully experience the deliciousness of Aomori!

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