Japan’s world-famous Nemuro Saury Feast Festival has arrived at the Sushi Shiki Hanamaru restaurant in Singapore!
With the objective of raising greater awareness and appreciation for Hokkaido’s most popular autumn harvest – the Saury, or Sanma fish, from the 18th to the 27th February foodies and gastronomes alike will be able to enjoy the freshest Pacific Saury prepared using various Japanese culinary techniques.
What is Saury?
Sanma or Pacific Saury is one of the most well-known seasonal fish representing autumn in Japanese cuisine. It’s usually salted and grilled whole – with intestines intact – and served with grated daikon and soy sauce to intensify the flavour of the fish.
The kanji characters used in the Japanese name for Sanma (秋刀魚) mean “Autumn Swordfish” in reference to the Sanma season and it’s body shape which resembles a knife or a sword.
The Saury Harvest
Freshness and quality are priorities for any seafood industry, and in Nemuro City in Hokkaido, it’s no different. In mid-August, when the saury population is at its peak, a major fishing perimeter is set up in the waters off the coast of Nemuro with close proximity to the Hanasaki landing port. Harvesting takes place at night and the catch is delivered to the nearest port immediately the next morning.
This period of time also marks the southern migration of the species, so the fish have accumulated a good amount of fat content which is highly nutritional.
Saury Health Benefits
The Pacific Saury brings great health benefits through its high content of fish oil, containing eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These omega-3 fatty acids are said to aid in the prevention of lifestyle-related diseases such as myocardial infarction and cerebral infarction.
Furthermore, medical studies have revealed that DHA strengthens memory and delays the ageing process. Other sources have shown that EPA and DHA have the ability to combat obesity and cancer. Other fat-soluble vitamins such as Vitamin A, D and E can also be found in the fish.
Sushi Shiki Hanamaru
The Hanamaru Sushi chain originates from Nemuro City itself, and to celebrate the region’s traditional cuisine and in particular, the Nemuro Saury Feast Festival at their Singapore restaurant, they’ll be serving Saury in three mouthwatering ways:
For more information contact Sushi Shiki Hanamaru: Orchard Central, #B2-11/29/44/48, 181 Orchard Road, Singapore 238896 (Tel: +65 6634 0211)
THE LIFESTYLE COLLECTIVE 