The new face of Joban-mono! Umami-packed natural tiger pufferfish “Fukutora”
2024.01.09
In recent years, the catch of tiger pufferfish off the coast of Fukushima Prefecture has increased sharply. Joban-mono tiger pufferfish, which grows in nutrient-rich waters, is thick in flesh and full of flavor. Branded as “Fukutora”, it is gaining increasing attention.
A new local specialty that the locals are looking forward to.
When it comes to winter delicacies off the coast of Soma and Futaba, flounders and monkfish are commonly mentioned. However, in recent years, the spotlight has been on the high-end fish known as the “king of pufferfish”, the tiger pufferfish. In the waters off Soma and Futaba, full-scale fishing of tiger pufferfish began in 2019. The 2022 catch was a record high of 36.1 tons, more than ten times the amount of the first year. The increase in catches is thought to be due to changes in the tiger pufferfish’s habitat caused by rising sea temperatures as a result of global warming. The local community has high hopes for the arrival of this new delicacy. Only live fish caught using longline fishing and measuring over 35 cm are branded as “Fukutora” and marketed nationwide.
A taste that even fishermen are impressed by
“I’ve eaten various fish since I was a child, but this tiger pufferfish made me exclaim ‘Delicious!’ out loud”, says fisherman Mr. Masahiro Ishibashi. He serves as the chairman of the longline tiger pufferfish fishing operations at Soma-Futaba Fishery Cooperative and is also actively promoting “Fukutora”. According to Ishibashi-san, the tiger pufferfish from the waters off Soma and Futaba are notably heavy and thick-fleshed, even more so than they appear. Their creamy milt is also exceptionally delicious, a unique quality of tiger pufferfish caught in the wild. The nutrient-rich waters nurture Joban-mono tiger pufferfish packed with umami.
Experience the full course of “Fukutora.”
As of December 28, 2023, eleven accommodation facilities and restaurants in Soma City are offering “Fukutora.” Hotel Minatoya has been offering an accommodation plan featuring “Fukutora” since 2022. According to Mr. Yoshimasa Kanno, Executive Director, in the past, many people came seeking snow crab during the winter season. Now, tourists visit specifically for the tiger pufferfish.
Due to the high moisture content of the tiger pufferfish flesh, it is left to rest for about three days after being carved before use. This process makes the flesh more tender and enhances its umami flavor. In the full course, you can enjoy “Fukutora” to the full with dishes such as sashimi (“tessa”), hotpot (“tecchiri”), deep-fries, three types of vinegared skin (texture varies depending on the part of the fish), rice cooked in an iron pot (“kamameshi”), and grilled milt.
Kanno-san’s top recommendation is the deep-fried tiger pufferfish. The seasoning consists only of locally produced soy sauce, which won first place in a national competition, and ginger. The simple seasoning enhances the natural deliciousness of “Fukutora.”
The new face of Joban-mono “Fukutora”! The project is still in its early stages, but the fishery cooperative is working towards sustainable fishing off the coast of Soma and Futaba by conducting ecological studies and other initiatives. Kanno-san says, “I hope the deliciousness of ‘Fukutora’ spreads nationwide and encourages people to visit Soma.”
●Hotel Minatoya
137 Oikawa, Obama, Soma City, Fukushima Prefecture
Tel.0244-38-8115
