Kamasu – Baracuda – [Sushi/Foodlore]

Description

Kamasu – Kanji: 魳 Hiragana: かます Katakana: カマス – aka: “アカカマス” Red Barracuda.

• About this fish: A fast, predatory fish which can swim up to 60 mph! Barracudas are often called “the tigers of the sea” or “sea wolves” they have a similar falsely fearsome “man eating” reputation as sharks do (Probably because of their large teeth? I wonder if the song ‘Barracuda’ has anything to do with this reputation?) They are said to attack anything metallic or shiny (like the bottom of a boat or wrist watches) Of course; In reality, these fish rarely attack humans (You’d have to be pretty aggressive towards them, as they are much more focused on the fish around them rather than having you for lunch (In-fact; divers are said to enjoy swimming inside schools of them!) – The Japanese ‘Aka-Kamasu’ are a bit shorter than your average baracuda; Though, because of how aggressively they hunt other fish, they do retain the same ‘fearsome reputation’ as their giant cousins.) The name Kamasu can also mean “sword tip” (its likely named so because of the tip of the Katana’s resemblance to this fishes face) Kamasu is especially tasty served salt-grilled Aburi style (with the skin is slightly flame seared to bring out the  flavours in the meat!) its ‘peak’ season is twice a year, early summer to autumn; though most chefs will insist that it reaches its its peak in August, when its flavour is at its boldest. In japan it might have grated yuzu as a topping, adding a citrisy-pop to the bite! – Where I’m from, (Vancouver, BC, Canada) much more often it comes with a lemon wedge on the side! (As do most grilled fish here!)

[Art sticker by samkalensky (Yo, thats me!) part of my sushi collection of stickers, follow and support for many more]