| Name (Japanese) | Yagara (ヤガラ / 矢柄) |
| Overall Rating |
Flavor: ★★★★☆ Texture: ★★★★☆ Popularity: ★★★☆☆ |
| Reference Price |
Value: ★★★☆☆ Price range: $6~$12/100g |
| Best Season | Autumn to winter (October–February) |
| Did You Know? | A high-end whitefish with delicate flavor, used in kaiseki cuisine. |
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| 1. Overview |
Official Name: Aka yagara (アカヤガラ) Kanji Name: 赤矢柄 (Aka yagara) English Name: Trumpetfish / Cornetfish Scientific Name: Fistularia spp. Classification: • Kingdom: Animalia • Phylum: Chordata • Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes) • Order: Syngnathiformes • Family: Fistulariidae (Cornetfishes) Average Size: 80–150 cm in length, but very slender Key Features: Extremely elongated body resembling a spear; firm, lean white flesh with mild sweetness |
| 2. Habitat & Distribution |
Found in **warm coastal waters** of Japan, especially in the Pacific side and Seto Inland Sea. Inhabits shallow reefs and sandy bottoms, often near coral or rocky areas. Distributed widely across the Indo-Pacific region. |
| 3. Seasonality |
Best season is **autumn to winter (October–February)**. Flesh is firmer and cleaner in flavor during the colder months, making it ideal for sushi and sashimi. |
| 4. Sushi Ingredient Profile |
Common Uses: Nigiri, sashimi, usuzukuri (thin slices), grilled, soup stock Flavor: Mild, elegant sweetness, clean white-fish taste Texture: Firm yet delicate, slightly chewy Fat Content: Very low; prized for its refined, light flavor |
| 5. Preparation & Craftsmanship |
Often prepared as **sashimi or nigiri**, sometimes with a decorative cut (kakushi-bōchō) to enhance tenderness. The long, thin body yields relatively little meat, requiring skilled filleting. Also used in **dashi (broth)** due to its clean umami. In fine dining, presentation highlights its elegant white flesh. |
| 6. Recommended Pairings |
Sushi Rice: Lightly seasoned shari to emphasize delicate flavor Condiments: Wasabi, light soy sauce, yuzu zest Drinks: Junmai ginjo sake, crisp white wine, or dry sparkling wine |
| 7. Nutritional Information |
Low in fat and calories, high in protein. Contains omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, and selenium. Considered a healthy choice, particularly in winter cuisine. |
| 8. Trivia & Cultural Notes |
The name “矢柄” comes from its resemblance to the **shaft of an arrow**. Despite its great length, its slender body yields limited meat, adding to its rarity. Valued in traditional Japanese cuisine for its **refined white flesh** and use in broth. Sometimes seen in high-end **kaiseki** restaurants as a seasonal delicacy. Because of its unusual shape, it often surprises diners when presented whole. |
| 9. Recommended Sushi Styles |
• Yagara sashimi (thin usuzukuri slices) • Yagara nigiri (classic sushi topping) • Lightly seared yagara with yuzu • Grilled yagara fillet with salt • Yagara dashi broth in kaiseki cuisine |
