Ikura – Gunkanmaki – [Sushi/Foodlore]

Description

• Ikura – (Salmon Roe.) – Katakana: イクラ, Hiragana:いくら Kanji: 幾ら, 鮭卵 – Season: all seasons.

The red caviar of salmon, often used to garnish other sushi or enjoyed as its own roll as “Gunkan-Maki.” – ”軍艦巻”  (lit: “War Ship Rolls”) Gunkan-Maki were invented during WWII & named as such because the eggs & other toppings are piled on top of the rice & nori, as though they are riding a ship into battle! – The name “ikura” is a Russian loanword for Salmon. Other types of roe which are commonly served this way or used as a garnish include “Tobiko” (Flying fish.) “Tarako” (salted cod.) Lumpfish and Sturgeon Caviar  are also a bit uncommon, but they are similarly delish!