Check out these articles
-
Video article 16:27
Delicious Coconut Crab at Yatai Mura in Naha, Okinawa!
Food & Drink- 334 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 52:35
This Popular Japanese Restaurant in Roppongi Makes Exquisite Crab Dishes! This Restaurant Offers the Finest Snow Crab and Will Leave Your Mouth Watering!
Food & Drink- 24 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 12:31
Making Yopparaigani! Japanese Blue Crab in Sake Makes for an Exquisite Dish That Takes a Month to Reach Perfection!
Food & Drink- 22 plays
- YouTube
Wake, Okayama’s Local Seasonal Feast. Introducing Traditional Mitten Crab Fishing, Mitten Crab Recipes, and the Mitten Crab Dish “Kakemeshi”!
Mitten Crab Fishing and Mitten Crab Kakemeshi!
The video(岡山・和気町に伝わるモクズガニ漁に密着「ズガニのかけ飯」の味は) closely covers Keiji Mandai from the Yoshiikawa Southern Fishery Cooperative, who runs a mitten crab fishing business in Wake, Okayama in Japan's Chugoku.
The title of the video roughly translates to “Japanese mitten crab fishing In Wake, Okayama. Mitten crab fisheries and a taste of Kakemeshi."
Kenji Mandai is a veteran fisherman with 70 years of experience.
Mitten crab is called "Zugani" by the local people and it is used in the local special dish “Zugani Kakemeshi.” Please watch the video to see some of the characteristics of mitten crab fishing, or to check the recipe for Zugani Kakemeshi.
Mitten Crab Fishing
Mitten crabs are found in the river and the local people call it “Zugani.”
The mitten crab is part of the crustacean species. Its carapace is 7-8 cm, and it weighs around 180g.
The fishing process is actually quite easy as well. Being nocturnal, mitten crabs usually stand still in between rocks.
Knowing this, fisherman put net traps into the river and the mitten crabs have a tendency to just walk inside them. That's it!
If you want to see this in action, take a look at the video starting from 0:16.
Mitten crab fishing peaks in the fall since the crabs travel down the river to breed. They're packed with meat during this time of the year so it's definitely the best season to try them. If the crabs legs crabs are yellow, that means it's a lunker!
Unfortunately, because their size is relatively small and it takes time and effort to cook, there are fewer and fewer people eating mitten crabs nowadays . As a result, not many fishermen are involved in mitten crab fishing, and the tradition has been on a steady decline.
What Is Mitten Crab Kakemeshi? Recipes and Popular Ways to Cook Mitten Crab
Mitten crab kakemeshi is loved by the local people in Wake, Okayama and a feast is held during the rice harvesting season in the fall.
After cooking vegetables in a pot, chop up the mitten crabs (including the shells), and strain the crabs using a strainer.
In order to get the best tasting crab, it is best to spend time chopping up the crab as finely as possible. The shell of the crabs used to be the main source of protein for the people of Wake. After seasoning the soup with soy sauce, the standard way to enjoy this meal is to put it over rice. Mitten crab kakemeshi has a very rich taste, and you can taste every ingredient.
For a more in-depth explanation on how to prepare mitten crab, take a look at 3:16 for the recipe on how to make mitten crab kakemeshi.
There are several other recipes using mitten crabs, such as Takikomi gohan (this involves cooking the crab with other ingredients inside of a rice cooker with rice), Tsugani soup, steamed crabs, miso soup, and crab pasta. Mitten crab is a perfect ingredient for both Japanese and western dishes. Also shown in the video at 5:58, the local people cut a steamed crab in half and eat it straight.
A Summary of the Mitten Crab Fishing and Mitten Crab Kakemeshi Introduction
Mitten crabs taste the best, and are beefiest in Autumn, and although it has a strong smell, if cooked properly it can become a delicious meal.
If you are planning to visit Japan, we recommend trying different kinds of Japanese food to feel the culture of Japan. If this article has got you interested in trying some crab dishes after watching the mitten crab fishing video, there's no better place to get your fill than Wake, Okayama. Although mitten crab fishing has been on the decline, mitten crab is a taste that deserves to be passed down for generations.
AccessMap (Google Maps)
-
Video article 3:03
An Elegant Breakfast at Kinmata, a Long-Established Ryokan in Kyoto. An Introduction To the Beautiful Cuisine That Tastes as Good as It Looks!
Food & Drink- 39 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 15:05
An Absolute Must-Try for Egg Lovers! At Tokyo’s Tsukiji Market You Can Eat Fried and Fluffy, Ready-Made Tamagoyaki, Skewered on the Spot! Check Out the Artisanal Skills of the Chef as He Handles Multiple Frying Pans at the Same Time!
Food & Drink Shopping- 134 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 15:03
Japanese Sweets, AKA "Wagashi," Are Beautiful To Look at and Filled With the Japanese Spirit of Hospitality! Enjoy Confectionaries and Matcha Making Experiences at Tsuruya Yoshinobu!
Food & Drink- 227 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 11:02
Watch This Video to See the Craftsmanship That Goes Into Making Japan's Delicious Crepes! If You Haven't Eaten Yet, Be Careful!
Food & Drink- 26 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 6:36
Wake, Okayama’s Local Seasonal Feast. Introducing Traditional Mitten Crab Fishing, Mitten Crab Recipes, and the Mitten Crab Dish “Kakemeshi”!
Food & Drink- 157 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 4:05
Amezaiku: The Japanese Art of Candy Sculpting Is a Living Tradition Handed Down Since the Edo Period. Check out the Amazing Craftsmanship in Shaping Maneki-Neko!
Food & Drink- 156 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 5:59
High-Speed Mochi Pounding by Japan's Fastest Mochi Master
Food & Drink Japanese Celebrities- 204 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 15:04
Ika Odori Don - The Dish That Keeps on Dancing After It’s Served! If You Like Squid Then This Dish Is Right up Your Alley!
Food & Drink- 120 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 2:54
The Jonamagashi of Kanazawa, Ishikawa Are Works of Art! A Look at the Confectioneries That Express the 4 Seasons of Japan - A Feast for the Eyes and Mouth!
Food & Drink- 157 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 7:44
Shabu-shabu, a Popular Japanese Menu Item, Wows the Palates of New York Foodies! The Female Chef of Shabu Shabu Macoron, a Japanese Restaurant in New York City, Talks About Her Passion for Shabu-shabu!
Food & Drink- 53 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 6:01
Oona Tempest - The Female Sushi Chef Serving Authentic Edomae Sushi in New York! Highly Skilled Omakase Sushi 7,000 Miles From Japan!
Food & Drink- 167 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 7:50
Meet the Sushi Chef at the 2 Michelin-Starred Sushi Ginza Onodera New York! An in-Depth Look at the Secrets of the World-Renown "Washoku" Culture!
Food & Drink Japanese Celebrities- 102 plays
- YouTube
Comment