Bincho Maguro – [Sushi|Foodlore]

Description

• Bincho Maguro (Albacore.) – Hiragana: びんなが, びんとろ, Katakana: ビンチョウ,Kanji: 鬢長

• About this fish: Bincho is yet another type of small tuna also called the “Albacore.” commonly canned. It’s best known for its abnormally long wing-like pectoral fins which earned it the Maritime nickname of “Flying Tuna.” Some Nautical, Maritime Folklore says that Albacore are able to fly! (Except that they physically cannot, too heavy.) similarly in some regions of Japan (and Hawaii!), Albacore also has the nickname of “Tonbo” (トンボ  lit “dragonfly”) because as it swims along, its fins stick out similar to the insects wings in flight! 

Bincho-nigiri is often served at Kaitenzushi (conveyor belt restaurants) and most North American restaurants, often as a substitute for Bluefin Tuna. (often for sustainability/affordability reasons.) – It is especially popular during the spring time  as “Mochi-bintoro” as Its fatty ‘toro’ (stomach meat) has a very light, chewier texture than most other types of tuna, often compared to Marshmallows! 

[Sticker art by @Samkalensky, Part of my Nigiri Sushi/Foodlore collections.]