Awaji Island is abundant with unique seasonal delicacies, some of which can only be found on this island. Three-year-old torafugu is the perfect example of this. However, there is another even lesser-known yet highly prized local ingredient from Awaji Island: the Awaji Island Whitespotted Conger.
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Whitespotted Conger in General
Whitespotted Congers are caught using various methods such as conger eel tube fishing, cage fishing, and bottom trawling. Aichi and Miyagi prefectures are known for their large catches, but the Seto Inland Sea stands out due to its mineral-rich seawater, resulting in Whitespotted congers with high-quality fat. Each region has a different name for its larva (the young stage of Whitespotted Congers).
Awaji Island Whitespotted Conger’s Characteristics
The Awaji Island Whitespotted Conger eels live in muddy bottoms and are known for their deliciously soft flesh, skin, and bones. They are caught using small bottom trawls and longlines throughout Awaji Island. Due to the presence of toxic substances in their raw blood, it is recommended to cook them thoroughly, such as by boiling, rather than consuming them raw.
Nutritional Value and Benefits of Awaji Island Whitespotted Conger
This prized treat is a nutritious white fish that is low in calories and high in protein, making it suitable for diets. Here are some key nutritional benefits of Awaji Island Whitespotted Conger:
- DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid): An essential fatty acid crucial for nerve maintenance, brain function, reducing cardiovascular risks, and lowering blood triglycerides.
- EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid): Known for its role in maintaining smooth blood flow, and preventing arteriosclerosis, myocardial infarction, and cerebral infarction.
- Protein: Essential for muscle, organ, skin, hair, nail, hormone, enzyme, and immune substance formation.
- Vitamin A: Important for skin, mucous membranes, vision, immune system, and reproductive function.
- Vitamin E: Strong antioxidant that protects against oxidation of fats, maintains healthy blood vessels, and prevents cell aging.
- Vitamin D: Regulates blood calcium levels, crucial for bone health, and is potentially beneficial for conditions like cancer, diabetes, and immune function.
Including Whitespotted Conger in your diet can contribute to these essential nutrients and support overall health and well-being.
Restaurants Where You Can Enjoy Awaji Island Whitespotted Conger
*This is a seasonal menu and will end once stock runs out. Menu items are subject to change.
SEIKAIHA – Aonoya
The steamed sushi set at Aonoya offers a choice out of three delicious ingredients: whitespotted conger, octopus, or crab. This special dish is complemented by seafood salad, boiled seabream, and red miso soup.
| Name | SEIKAIHA - Aonoya |
|---|---|
| Address | 70 Nojima-okawa, Awaji City, Hyogo Pref. 656-1723 |
| Tel | 0799-70-9020 |
| Website | https://awaji-seikaiha.com/aonoya/ |
| Reservations | https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g1022838-d21197787-Reviews-Seikaiha_Aonoya-Awaji_Awaji_shima_Hyogo_Prefecture_Kinki.html |
| Operating Hours | 11:00~15:00 (Last In 14:00, L.O. 14:00) 17:00~21:00 (Last In 19:30, L.O. 20:00) Closed: Thursdays |
Click here for details of SEIKAIHA - Aonoya
Aman no Shokutaku – Utage
At Aman no Shokutaku – Utage, you can try Awaji Island’s Whitespotted Conger through unique dishes like “Whitespotted Conger Tempura Pirate Style” and “Grilled Whitespotted Conger Rice Ball”. This restaurant specializes in a unique culinary concept called “pirate cuisine”, skillfully prepared with fresh local ingredients sourced from Awaji Island.
Click here for reservations Utage Click here for reservations Sajiki
| Name | Aman no Shokutaku １F Utage ２F Sajiki |
|---|---|
| Address | 1042 Nojima-Tokiwa, Awaji City, Hyogo Pref. 656-1726 |
| Tel | "Utage” 0799-70-9089 “Sajiki” 0799-70-9090 |
| Operation Hours | “Utage”: Weekdays 11:00~21:00 (L.O. 20:00) / Sat., Sun. & Holidays 10:30~21:00 (L.O. 20:00) “Sajiki” 11:00~15:00 / 17:00~21:00 (L.O.19:30) Closed: Tuesdays |
| Website | https://amannoshokutaku.jp/ |
| Reservations: Utage | https://www.tablecheck.com/en/shops/aman-utage/reserve |
| Reservations: Sajiki | https://www.tablecheck.com/en/shops/aman-sajiki/reserve |
