Chinese Mactra Clam(aoyagi)
Aoyagi are at their peak from winter to early spring. Losing flesh during incubation, they commence spawning in June. Recent years have seen a north-south expansion in the clam’s grounds, lengthening the season. Salt is rubbed in to deslime the clams, which are then rinsed in hot water to firm, and the tip of the tongue flipped up to split open the flesh. Of a tender, pleasant consistency, they are distinguished by a marvelous fragrance and sweetness. Aoyagi adductor muscles, one large, one smell, are known as kobashira and greatly prized. Catches of the attractive larger reddish- yellow aoyagi have plummeted of late, with good-quality specimens at a premium.