| Name (Japanese) | Giant Clam (Miru-gai / ミルガイ / 海松貝) |
| Overall Rating |
Flavor: ★★★★☆ Texture: ★★★★☆ Popularity: ★★★★☆ |
| Reference Price |
Value: ★★★☆☆ Price range: $20~$50/lb |
| Best Season | Spring to early summer |
| Did You Know? | Miru-gai’s siphons are too large, so it cannot fully close its shell. |
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| 1. Overview |
Kanji Name: 海松貝 (Miru-gai) English Name: Geoduck Clam Scientific Name: Panopea generosa Classification: • Kingdom: Animalia • Phylum: Mollusca • Class: Bivalvia • Order: Myoida • Family: Hiatellidae • Genus: Panopea • Species: P. generosa Average Size: Shell 15–20 cm, siphon up to 1 meter Key Features: Extremely long siphon; crisp, sweet flesh; highly prized in sushi and sashimi |
| 2. Habitat & Distribution |
Native to the Pacific Northwest (USA, Canada). Also found in Japan and China through aquaculture. Burrows deep in sandy seabeds. |
| 3. Seasonality |
Available year-round. Peak demand in winter and early spring for sushi and hot pot dishes. |
| 4. Sushi Ingredient Profile |
Common Uses: Sashimi, nigiri, hot pot, stir-fry Flavor: Sweet, ocean-fresh Texture: Crisp, crunchy Fat Content: Very low; highlights clean flavor |
| 5. Preparation & Craftsmanship |
Typically served raw as sashimi or sushi. Siphon sliced thin to emphasize crunch. Requires expert cleaning and preparation due to large size. |
| 6. Recommended Pairings |
Sushi Rice: Mildly seasoned to complement sweetness Condiments: Wasabi, soy sauce, citrus (yuzu, sudachi) Drinks: Dry sake, crisp lager, light white wine |
| 7. Nutritional Information |
Low in fat, high in lean protein. Rich in vitamin B12, iron, and magnesium. Supports muscle health and energy metabolism. |
| 8. Trivia & Cultural Notes |
Considered a luxury delicacy in Japan and China. Its unusual appearance makes it famous worldwide. Symbolizes longevity and prosperity in some Asian cultures. |
| 9. Recommended Sushi Styles |
• Miru-gai sashimi • Miru-gai nigiri with wasabi • Miru-gai with citrus yuzu • Miru-gai in hot pot (shabu-shabu) |
