Aomori Flavors! Enjoy Rich Tasting Scallop Products From Yamajin
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Aomori, the northernmost prefecture on Japan's main island of Honshu, is famous for fresh seafood. Especially famous are the scallops from Mutsu Bay. Yamajin uses these scallops in a variety of food products. We'll showcase their products along with sightseeing spots near JR Aomori Station!
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Tokyo, Japan
Delicious Scallops from Aomori’s Mutsu Bay
Mutsu Bay is surrounded by Shimokita and Tsugaru Peninsulas in Aomori Prefecture. Neighboring mountains include the Hakkoda Mountain Range, from which mineral-rich water pours into the bay. It's also where high-quality plankton is cultivated.
The cool climate and calm waters of Mutsu Bay create an ideal environment for scallops. These mollusks are members of the salt-water clam family.
The plump scallops caught at Mutsu Bay have a surprisingly sweet, rich flavor. Pop one into your mouth to savor this special taste!
Mutsu Bay scallops are raised several ways, including a method called "basket cultivation." This involves baskets suspended in the ocean waters.
Many companies along the coast of Mutsu Bay cultivate and process these scallops.
In today's article, we'll visit a company called Yamajin. The president, who's a fisherman himself, also assists in unloading the scallops upon arrival. Yamajin exports food products both across Japan and internationally.
Yamajin: Freshness and Attentive Handling of Scallops
Yamajin is located about five minutes by car from Aburakawa Fishing Port. It was established back in 1965.
"Yamajin's founder was a scallop fisherman from Mutsu Bay. One day, he sampled scallops caught at Mutsu Bay in Tokyo's Tsukiji Fish Market. He was shocked to discover that they didn't taste very good. At that moment, he decided to put his pride on the line and offer the true Mutsu Bay scallops to the public. With this desire in mind, he began fishing and processing scallops in a consistent system."
These comments are from Naoki Higashiyama, a member of Yamajin's sales department.
Takenori Jin, the current president, who's also a fisherman, has adopted this philosophy from his predecessors. The company produces various food products with freshly caught scallops that are prepared with care and attention.
Scallops are in season from April until June. During this interview, the fishers were in the middle of unloading their latest catch.
A mechanical hoist is not used when baskets filled with scallops are loaded onto the boats. Instead, Yamajin relies solely on the physical strength of its workers, who perform this task manually.
They work quickly and efficiently to preserve freshness, making sure not to waste a minute of time.
Once the scallops are unloaded, processing begins in the company factory. After the scallops undergo their initial cleaning and washing, they are steamed, then refrigerated. Next, fresh scallop meat is removed from the shell and washed. The product is then flash-frozen and packaged.
When scallops come into contact with fresh water, they can lose some of their taste. Therefore, sterilized seawater is used during the entire production process.
Mr. Higashiyama explained, "While we have the latest machinery, there's nothing more effective than the human hand. Our staff pays special attention to each and every scallop. With dedication and craftsmanship, they ensure both accuracy and speed during the production process. This is what we're most proud of."
In 2018, the company received the official certification from EU-HACCP, allowing them to export to the European Union. The company currently exports its scallop products to Europe, the US, and many Asian countries.
Yamajin's Recommended Food Products
Yamajin offers a wide variety of delicious scallop products.
Hotate-Fry (Deep-Fried Breaded Scallops)
Hotate-Fry has a crisp exterior and contains a whole boiled scallop. This popular product has received the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Award.
It took the company two years of experimentation to develop the special bread crumbs used in this recipe.
When cooking, the frozen scallops can be dropped directly into hot oil. Since defrosting isn't required, customers can enjoy a delicious meal right away.
Our writer sampled some of these piping hot deep-fried scallops. The crunchy texture and the scallop's umami flavor create an exquisite harmony! You'll be reaching for seconds in no time.
While they are delicious without any sauce, Mr. Higashiyama recommends dipping them in wasabi soy sauce. You can even make a deep-fried scallop burger with a hamburger bun and your favorite veggies!
Hotate-Fry: Breaded scallops 6 pieces (465 yen after tax), 20 pieces (1,382 yen after tax).
Hotate-Meshi no Moto (Ready-Made Mixed Scallops and Rice)
Hotate-Meshi no Moto is a luxurious product with generous amounts of Mutsu Bay scallop meat. It was even awarded the Secretary of Fisheries Agency Prize.
When prepared in a rice cooker, the rich aroma of scallops slowly fills the kitchen. This simple product contains only scallop meat and rice. There are no unnecessary ingredients included.
You'll be surprised by the number of scallops included in each package!
In a single bite, your mouth fills with delicious savory flavor and fragrance. The big, chunky pieces of scallop meat have a nice, firm texture. While chewing on them, you'll feel a sense of satisfaction and happiness, resulting in smiles around the dining table!
Additionally, you can enjoy the scallops in rice balls (onigiri) and other dishes.
Hotate-Meshi no Moto: 1 package 200 grams (2-3 cooked servings) 756 yen after tax.
Enjoy Tasty Aomori Scallops at Home!
Yamajin offers many other processed food products as well.
Their online shop offers suggestions on how to eat these dishes. So, why not try these products at home by placing an order? With its rich yet pleasant flavor, your kids will also be pleased!
Yamajin Online Shopping (Yahoo) (Japanese)
ASPAM: The Perfect Souvenir and Gourmet Food!
For visitors interested in sampling Aomori's marine products, we recommend the Aomori Prefecture Tourism Information Center (ASPAM). This unique triangular building is shaped like an "A," representing the first letter of Aomori (see photo above).
It features many restaurants as well as the prefecture's largest souvenir shop.
At the JF Aomori Fisheries Cooperative ASPAM shop, fresh seafood is available, including live scallops sold by weight (top right in above photo). The shop also sells the Hotate-Fry mentioned above (bottom left).
Nearby, you'll find a shop called ASPAM Products. Here, you can purchase another Yamajin product: Scallops in Olive Oil (top left).
Hotate Soft Serve Ice Cream is another unique regional product. The sweet and slightly salty flavor is the perfect taste combination. No wonder it's a hit among visitors.
Pictures courtesy of Aomori Prefecture Tourism Product Center ASPAM
Additionally, ASPAM features a 360-degree digital theater where visitors can experience Aomori's beautiful nature and lively festivals.
There's even an observation deck sitting at 51 meters above sea level, offering a panoramic view of the Mutsu Bay area.
The Aomori Shunmi Kan (Japanese) is directly connected to JR Shin-Aomori Station, which has a wide selection of interesting souvenirs. This is an ideal spot for visitors short on time!
Enjoy Aomori Sightseeing, Including a World Heritage Site
Sannai Maruyama Historical Site. Photo by Pixta
Just a minute on foot from JR Aomori Station, you'll find the Nebuta Museum WA RASSE.
Here, visitors can learn about the history of Aomori's famed Nebuta Festival. There are also exhibits of actual floats used in the festivities. You're guaranteed to have year-round fun at this facility.
The Sannai Maruyama Historical Site is about 20 minutes by car from JR Aomori Station. In July 2021, it was registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.
This was the location of Japan's largest Jomon Period settlement roughly 4,200 to 5,900 years ago. Every year, countless visitors flock to this site.
On your next visit to Aomori, please sample the tasty local seafood and enjoy nearby sightseeing spots!
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In cooperation with Yamajin
Sponsored by Reconstruction Fishery Processing Industry Market Recovery Promotion Center
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Tokyo, Japan
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