Olive flounder
The flesh of hirame, in its prime between winter and early spring, has a slight amber tinges, and is suffused with rich oiliness. The fat is intensely sweet and refined, the distinctive flavor of hirame shining through the delicate mildness that characterizes white fish. Bite down firmly on the four muscle ‘edges’ of the fins and the mouth is filled with the intense sweetness of toned muscle fat. Alight sprinkling of salt and Kombu curing allows sushi fans to savor the delectable taste and texture sensation of nigiri made from hirame prepared using this technique long integral to the Edo-mae sushi chef’s job.