Gnomefish (kuromutsu)
Putting on fat in late autumn, kuromutsu make best eating in winter. Fish inhabiting depths of 200-300 m are often deemed heavy eating due to their excess fat, but despite being marbled with opaque fat, kuromutsu do not taste especially fatty. The fish is is placed skin up and boiling water. The gelatinous subcutaneous flesh conceals a delectable layer of fat, while the skin, light in consistency, is also delicious. The tender, lipid flesh has a sweetness that on chewing suffuses the palate with a smooth, all-enveloping flavor.