Saury for knowledge

Pacific saury, the "national fish" of Japan, has been a staple on autumn tables since ancient times. Let's step into the world of Pacific saury and unlock its secrets.

Basic Characteristics of Pacific Saury

Pacific saury has a slender, elongated shape, resembling a thin willow leaf. Its silvery-white body shimmers in the sunlight, like a metallic sheen.

Its name is poetic: "autumn" represents the season, and "saury" describes its shape; these two simple characters encapsulate its characteristics.

Pacific saury, scientifically known as *Cololabis saira*, is a migratory fish widely distributed in the North Pacific Ocean, including the Sea of Japan and the Sea of Okhotsk. In Japan, it is an important autumn catch, migrating to the coast every autumn to become a local delicacy.

There's also an interesting little-known fact about Pacific saury: it is attracted to light. At night, when fishermen turn on their lights, schools of saury swim towards them, like spirits drawn to the light.

Nutritional Value and Cooking Methods of Pacific Saury

Pacific saury is rich in protein, EPA, DHA, and other unsaturated fatty acids, which can effectively lower cholesterol and protect cardiovascular health.

Its vitamin A content is 16 times that of beef, making it particularly effective in preventing night blindness and slowing down aging.

Pacific saury can be cooked in various ways; pan-frying, grilling, and salt-grilling are classic choices. After pan-frying or grilling, the skin becomes golden and crispy, while the flesh is delicate and tender. Paired with lemon juice, it removes any fishy smell and enhances the freshness-it's simply irresistible!

Frozen saury is a staple in my household. After thawing, it can be used to make spicy braised saury. The strong flavor of Lao Gan Ma chili sauce perfectly complements the freshness of the saury. Once braised until flavorful, sprinkled with scallions, it's simply divine!

How to Store Saury

If you're not going to eat fresh saury immediately, remove the innards, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze it. This will preserve it for a long time while maintaining its flavor.

For short-term refrigeration, you can sprinkle some salt on the fish; this will also help retain its freshness.

Saury is high in fat, so moderation is key. Although it contains trace amounts of toxins, as long as you don't overeat, there's no need to worry about health issues.