Exploring the appeal of Tsugaru's cherry blossom viewing delicacy, the spiny crab! Is it even more delicious than hairy crab? [Aomori Prefecture]

When the cherry blossoms in Hirosaki Park begin to bloom, the people of Tsugaru begin enjoying cherry blossom viewing in a slightly unusual way. What they line up on the picnic sheets are, in fact, " spiky crabs ." In Tsugaru, mantis shrimp and crabs are considered rare cherry blossom viewing delicacies!

This time, we will focus on the spiny crab, a favorite among locals, and delve deeper into its appeal

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Crabs at cherry blossom viewing in Tsugaru?! The mystery of this strange sight revealed

"People surrounding a crab" seen at cherry blossom viewing in Hirosaki Park

When walking through Hirosaki Park in spring, you'll come across a scene of boiled crabs proudly lined up next to bento boxes and yakitori. This sight astonishes tourists, but for locals, it's a completely natural cherry blossom viewing style

Picking crab meat under the cherry blossoms with a drink in hand. This is a completely normal scene. In Tsugaru, spring is the season for crabs , so it's not strange to see crabs at cherry blossom viewing parties.

Why do crabs appear at cherry blossom viewing parties in Tsugaru?

The reason is simple: the peak season for spiny crabs coincides with the cherry blossom season. Spiny crabs are only caught for a short period in the spring, making them a seasonal delicacy that can only be enjoyed now

Moreover, because it is more affordable than hairy crabs, it is not considered a special treat, but rather a normal thing to eat at this time of year. Thus, the culture of buying crabs and taking them to cherry blossom viewing parties when the cherry blossoms begin to bloom in the spring has naturally taken root

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What is the Spiny Crab? Introducing its appearance and characteristics

Small and spiky, but sturdy inside

The spiny crab has a small shell, about the size of an adult's palm. As its name suggests, it has a dense pile of spines around its shell, giving it a rougher appearance than the hairy crab

However, inside it is packed with sweet meat and plenty of miso, making it a crab that is more satisfying than it looks.It is also characterized by its rounded shell and slightly short legs, and is so popular among locals that it is said to be the crab that spring in Tsugaru means

Local crabs available only during the cherry blossom season

Spiny crabs are mainly caught in the Tsugaru Strait and the Sea of ​​Japan side, and are sold mainly in markets within Aomori Prefecture. Because freshness is crucial for this crab, the distribution area is very limited, and it is rarely seen outside the prefecture

It is common to buy freshly boiled on the same day at local farm shops or morning markets, and it truly is a taste that only locals can enjoy. It is not only eaten during cherry blossom viewing, but is also often served on spring dinner tables, and is a seasonal feature that marks the arrival of spring

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Is it better than hairy crab? The secret to the taste of spiny crab

The flesh is very sweet and satisfying to eat

The flesh of the spiny crab is soft and fluffy, with a strong sweetness. Despite its small size, it is packed with meat and comes off the shell easily, so it doesn't take much effort to eat

The size makes it easy to pick up and enjoy without getting your hands too dirty, which is a great thing about it, even at a cherry blossom viewing party. Rather than being thick and juicy, it's easy to break down and has a simple, savory flavor. You'll find yourself getting addicted to it and won't be able to stop eating it

The rich miso is appealing! Are connoisseurs male or female?

The biggest attraction of the spiny crab is its miso. Not only is it comparable to hairy crab, but many say that it even surpasses it in terms of the richness of its miso

The males have a good balance of meat and miso, making them more satisfying overall. On the other hand, the females are carrying immature eggs, and those who love the unique texture and rich flavor will love them

Even among locals, the question of "male or female?" is often a hot topic, and it's a spring treat that makes you want to try both and compare them

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Where can you buy spiny crabs? Here's where to buy them and how to eat them

Available at local supermarkets and markets

Spiny crabs start appearing in spring at morning markets and farm stands across Aomori Prefecture. Famous places to find them are Niji no Mart in Hirosaki and Tatehana Wharf Morning Market in Hachinohe. They are reasonably priced at around 300-500 yen each, and it's not uncommon for people to buy several at once

During cherry blossom viewing season, the fresh fish section of supermarkets starts stocking more of this fish, signaling the arrival of spring throughout the prefecture

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Simply boil

The cooking method is very simple, just add salt and boil briefly. It is said that spiny crab is best eaten raw, so no extra seasonings are necessary. Supermarkets and markets sell live spiny crabs, but they also sell boiled spiny crabs. If you're going to see the cherry blossoms, it's easier to buy boiled ones, but if you have time, we recommend boiling them at home. Freshly boiled spiny crabs have a strong sweetness and a more flaky, chewy flavor

At cherry blossom viewing parties, the local style is to arrange them on the table in newspaper or in their original packaging, and enjoy them slowly while peeling the shells. The miso part is also delicious when dipped in a little sake, adding a touch of luxury to a spring afternoon

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summary

Cherry blossoms and crabs are a natural pairing in Tsugaru in the spring. Togekuri crabs are easier to obtain than hairy crabs and are loved by locals for their rich miso and sweet meat. As soon as the cherry blossoms bloom, they appear in stores, blending naturally into the cherry blossom viewing scenery

We would also like to encourage tourists visiting the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival to experience this "spring-only flavor." Tasting the spring-only spiny crab at a famous cherry blossom viewing spot is sure to become an unforgettable memory of Tsugaru

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