| Name (Japanese) | Horsehair crab (Kegani / ケガニ / 毛蟹) |
| Overall Rating |
Flavor: ★★★★★ Texture: ★★★★☆ Popularity: ★★★★☆ |
| Reference Price |
Value: ★★★☆☆ Price range: $25~$40/lb (whole crab; varies by season) |
| Best Season | Winter to early spring (December–March), when kani-miso is at its richest |
| Did You Know? | The tastiest crabs weigh between 400-600g; larger ones have less flavor. |
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| 1. Overview |
Official Name: Kegani (毛ガニ) Kanji Name: 毛蟹 (Kegani) English Name: Horsehair crab Scientific Name: Erimacrus isenbeckii Classification: • Kingdom: Animalia • Phylum: Arthropoda • Class: Malacostraca • Order: Decapoda • Family: Crustacea • Genus: Erimacrus • Species: E. isenbeckii Average Size: Carapace width 8–12 cm; weight 400–1,000 g Key Features: Covered with fine hair-like bristles; sweet and delicate meat; prized for rich crab miso (kani-miso) |
| 2. Habitat & Distribution |
Found in cold waters of the northern Pacific. Especially abundant in Hokkaido, Japan. Lives on sandy or muddy seabeds at depths of 20–200 m. |
| 3. Seasonality |
Peak season is winter to early spring (December–March). Best flavor during spawning season when crab miso is most abundant. |
| 4. Sushi Ingredient Profile |
Common Uses: Nigiri (with crab meat or miso), gunkan-maki, salads Flavor: Sweet, delicate, umami-rich Texture: Soft, flaky, juicy Fat Content: Low in meat; kani-miso provides richness |
| 5. Preparation & Craftsmanship |
Usually steamed or boiled before extracting meat. Crab meat is carefully shredded to remove shell fragments. Often paired with kani-miso for gunkan-style sushi. Requires meticulous handling to highlight its delicate sweetness. |
| 6. Recommended Pairings |
Sushi Rice: Lightly seasoned to let sweetness shine Condiments: Soy sauce (minimal), ponzu, yuzu zest Drinks: Junmai sake, crisp white wine, green tea |
| 7. Nutritional Information |
High in protein and minerals. Rich in zinc, calcium, and selenium. Crab miso provides vitamin B12 and essential fatty acids. |
| 8. Trivia & Cultural Notes |
Kegani is one of Hokkaido’s most famous delicacies. Its kani-miso is considered a luxurious ingredient in sushi and kaiseki cuisine. Highly valued during New Year and festive seasons in Japan. |
| 9. Recommended Sushi Styles |
• Kegani gunkan (with crab meat & kani-miso) • Pure crab meat nigiri • Crab miso with shiso leaf topping • Kegani sashimi (rare, specialty preparation) • Crab salad roll |
