Blood Cockle (akagai)
Vibrant red akagai, makes especial colorful and attractive sushi. Between winter and spring the shellfish grow plump and acquire a more intense flavor. An explosion on the palate – a strong salty tang and slight astringency transformed into exquisite taste – indicates ideal season and freshness, The ‘string’ on the outer membrane is tastiest, its pleasant texture and intense salty tang making it more prized and popular than the actual tongue. In peak season, the plump black liver blanched and consumed with wasabi and soy sauce pairs well with sake. In recent years catches of akagai have declined dramatically.