Seafood
Sea pineapple
ホヤ ほや hoya
Also known ashoya
At its best in Jun, Jul, Aug
When it is at its best
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
In seasonAvailable
How to cook
Sashimi
Distinctive aroma and sweetness. With vinegared soy sauce.
Sunomono (vinegared dish)
Dressed with cucumber.
Grilled sea pineapple
Grilled in the shell.
Shiokara (salt-fermented seafood)
A pungent delicacy.
How to choose
Well-formed bumps on the surface, a firm body and a vivid orange colour.
Storage
Spoils quickly and turns bitter with time; eat the same day.
Main areas
Good to know
Sanriku in Miyagi is the main source. Sometimes called the sea pineapple. Freshness makes a great difference to the taste.
