Golden Cuttlefish(sumi-ika)
Young sumi-ika appear in early August, as if just in the time to take over from aori-ika (bigfin reef squid) in Japan sushi establishments. In the world of Ed-mae sushi, as the first of their species for the season these young squid, along with shinko – the fry of gizzard shad – fetch astounding prices, their arrival setting the stage for a battle of wills, pride and vanity among Tokyo sushi restaurants. Within a couple of months, still tender yet satisfying to the palate, they have grown large, and by spring are bigger than a hand, firm in texture, and with a hint of sweetness. Spawning around the end of spring completes the sumi-ika life cycle.