We'll take a closer look at the charm of Tsugaru's cherry blossom viewing gourmet "Splitting Crab"! Is it tastier than hairy crab? [Aomori Prefecture]

As the cherry blossoms in Hirosaki Park begin to bloom, Tsugaru people begin to "experience the cherry blossom viewing in a slightly unusual way." The ones on the leisure sheet are actually " Split Crabs ." Tsugaru's rare cherry blossom viewing gourmets include mackerels and crabs!

This time, we will focus on the "split crab" that locals love, and explore its charm in depth.

There are crabs at the cherry blossom viewing in Tsugaru! ? Get to know the mystery of the strange sight

"People Surrounding Crabs" seen at cherry blossom viewing in Hirosaki Park

As you walk around Hirosaki Park in spring, you will be spotted with a spectacular array of boiled crabs lined up next to your lunch boxes and yakitori. This scenery will surprise tourists, and for locals it is a very natural cherry blossom viewing style.

Under the cherry blossoms, I dig crab meat with a drink in hand. That situation is just as obvious as it is. In Tsugaru, spring is the season of crabs , and it's no wonder that crabs are present at cherry blossom viewing.

Why do crabs appear at Tsugaru cherry blossom viewing?

The reason is simple: the season of the spiked crabs coincides with the cherry blossom season. Spike crabs, which are only caught in the short period of spring, are truly seasonal gourmet foods that can only be eaten now.

Moreover, since it is available at a more affordable price than hairy crab, it feels more like "it's normal to eat it at this time of year." In this way, when the cherry blossoms begin to bloom in spring, a culture of buying crabs and taking them to cherry blossom viewing began to take root naturally.

What is a thorn crab? Introducing the appearance and features

It's small and prickly, but the contents are solid

The shell of the spiny crab is small, about the size of an adult's palm. As the name suggests, there are thick thorns around the shell, making it a rougher look than the hair crab.

However, it is packed with sweet flesh and plenty of miso, making it a crab that is even more satisfying than it looks. It also features a rounded shell and slightly shorter legs, making it so popular that locals say that this is what Tsugaru is in spring

"Featured crab" for cherry blossom seasonal cherry blossoms

Spike crabs are mainly caught in the Tsugaru Strait and the Sea of ​​Japan side, and are mainly sold in markets within Aomori Prefecture. Because freshness is the lifeblood of crab, its distribution area is very narrow and is rarely seen outside the prefecture.

It is a classic way to buy boiled food at a local direct sales store or morning market, and it is truly a taste that only locals can enjoy. Not only does it come to cherry blossom viewing, but it is often featured at spring dining tables, making it a tradition that will make you feel the arrival of spring.

Is it tastier than hairy crab? The secret to the taste of thorny crab

The flesh has a strong sweetness and is extremely satisfying

The spiny crab flesh is fluffy and has a strong sweetness. Despite its small size, it is well-stocked and comes off the shell, so it doesn't take much time to eat.

The size is also attractive for your casual pick-up, and it's great that you can enjoy it even at cherry blossom viewing without getting too dirty. Rather than being thick and juicy, this is a type that is easy to loosen and has a simple flavor. I can't help but get carried away, and I can't stop.

The rich miso is attractive! Are you a male or female?

The biggest attraction of the spiny crab is its miso. Not only is it comparable to hairy crab, but there are many people who say that in terms of the richness of miso, they are better than they are.

The males have a good balance between flesh and miso, and overall satisfaction is high. On the other hand, females carry Uchiko (immature eggs), which is irresistible for those who like this unique texture and rich flavor.

Even in the local area, people often find themselves talking about "male or female?", and it's a spring-like thing that makes you want to compare both of them.

Where can I buy thorn crabs? Introducing places where you can buy and how to eat

Available to buy at local supermarkets or markets

Spike crabs begin to appear in the spring at morning markets and direct sales outlets in Aomori Prefecture. In Hirosaki, the famous is Rainbow Mart, and in Hachinohe, the famous is Tatehana Kure Morning Market. The price is reasonable at around 300-500 yen per cup, and it's not uncommon for people to buy a few in bulk.

During the cherry blossom viewing season, the store is also available in the fresh fish section of supermarkets, and it has become a sign of the arrival of spring in various parts of the prefecture.

Just boil it simply

The cooking method is very simple: just add salt and boil it quickly. It is said that the best way to eat spike crabs is to eat them as is, and no unnecessary seasonings are required. Live thorn crabs are also sold at supermarkets and markets, but boiled thorn crabs are also sold. If you're going to cherry blossom viewing, it's easier to buy a boiled one, but if you have time, it's also recommended to boil it at home. Freshly boiled spike crabs have a strong sweetness and a more robust flavor.

At the cherry blossom viewing tables, the locals are arranged in newspapers and packs, and enjoy the locals slowly while peeling their shells. The miso portion is delicious even if you soak it in a little sake, and it adds a luxurious touch to your spring afternoon.

summary

In the spring of Tsugaru, cherry blossoms and crabs are commonplace. The spiny crab is easier to obtain than hairy crab, and is loved by locals for its rich miso and sweet flavour. The cherry blossoms are lined up in stores as they bloom, and naturally blend in with the cherry blossom viewing scenery.

We hope that those who visit the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival for sightseeing will also be able to experience this "spring-only taste." Enjoy the spring-only spiny crab at a famous cherry blossom spot. That will surely become an unforgettable Tsugaru memory.