| Name (Japanese) | Orient clam (Hamaguri / ハマグリ / 蛤) |
| Overall Rating |
Flavor: ★★★★★ Texture: ★★★★☆ Popularity: ★★★☆☆ |
| Reference Price |
Value: ★★★☆☆ Price range: $12~$20/lb (depending on size and season) |
| Best Season | Spring (March–May), when clams are plump and full of sweetness |
| Did You Know? | Their tight shells symbolize a happy, long-lasting marriage. |
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| 1. Overview |
Official Name: Hamaguri (ハマグリ) Kanji Name: 蛤 (Hamaguri) English Name: Orient Clam Scientific Name: Meretrix lusoria Classification: • Kingdom: Animalia • Phylum: Mollusca • Class: Bivalvia • Order: Venerida • Family: Veneridae • Genus: Meretrix • Species: M. lusoria Average Size: Shell length 5–10 cm; weight 50–150 g Key Features: Elegant, sweet flavor; plump, juicy flesh; shells perfectly match in pairs (symbol of harmony) |
| 2. Habitat & Distribution |
Found in shallow sandy coastal waters of Japan, China, and Korea. Common in estuaries and tidal flats. Cultivated and wild-harvested in Japan, especially in Chiba and Ibaraki. |
| 3. Seasonality |
Best season is spring (March–May). Flesh is plump and flavorful during spawning season. |
| 4. Sushi Ingredient Profile |
Common Uses: Simmered (ni-hamaguri) nigiri, soup in kaiseki, grilled Flavor: Sweet, oceanic, elegant umami Texture: Tender yet slightly firm Fat Content: Low; delicate richness comes from natural juices |
| 5. Preparation & Craftsmanship |
Traditionally simmered in seasoned broth (ni-hamaguri) to enhance sweetness. Served as nigiri with its own reduction for glaze. Requires precise cooking to avoid toughness. Shells are often used for presentation in ceremonial cuisine. |
| 6. Recommended Pairings |
Sushi Rice: Mildly seasoned to balance sweetness Condiments: Light soy glaze, citrus zest Drinks: Junmai sake, crisp white wine, green tea |
| 7. Nutritional Information |
Low in fat and calories. High in protein, iron, and vitamin B12. Rich in minerals like calcium and zinc. |
| 8. Trivia & Cultural Notes |
Hamaguri is a traditional ingredient in Japanese celebratory cuisine. The paired shells symbolize marital harmony, making it a wedding specialty. Long history in Edo-style sushi, often served as luxurious simmered nigiri. Also featured in Hina Matsuri (Girls’ Festival) cuisine. |
| 9. Recommended Sushi Styles |
• Ni-hamaguri (simmered clam) nigiri • Hamaguri nigiri with glaze • Clam soup (osuimono) in kaiseki • Lightly grilled hamaguri • Hamaguri with citrus zest topping |
