Shizuoka Prefecture is rich in marine resources, and there are tastes that can only be found here.
One of them I particularly like is sakura shrimp.
It can be enjoyed fresh or dried, but I always look forward to eating it when it is fresh because it is in season.
And there is a candy using this sakura shrimp called sakuraebi no mai (sakura shrimp dance).
This article is about the sakura shrimp dance.
What kind of candy is "Sakuraebi no Mai"?
Sakuraebi no Mai is a rice cracker made from sakuraebi, a specialty of Suruga Bay in Shizuoka Prefecture, and is a very popular local souvenir.
Luxurious sakura shrimps are used, and a whole shrimp is placed on top of the rice cracker. It is said that one bite of this rice cracker will fill your mouth with the bounty of Suruga Bay.
The shrimp powder, flour, and rice mixture is baked and topped with sakura shrimps.
When eaten, the rich flavor of shrimp and the aroma of sakura shrimps fill the mouth and are described as crispy and enjoyable.
From this information, it is clear that Sakuraebi no Mai is a delicious rice cracker from the Suruga Bay region of Shizuoka Prefecture and a traditional Japanese snack that takes advantage of the unique flavor of sakura shrimp.
It has also become a popular souvenir for locals and tourists alike, and is characterized by its luxurious taste and use of whole sakura shrimps.
It has become a standard product among Shizuoka Prefecture's "Izu souvenirs".
It is one of those souvenirs that can be given to any age group, anywhere and to anyone, and is always purchased.
Where can I buy Sakuraebi no Mai?
Sakura Shrimp Mai can be purchased at several locations and online platforms. Specifically, the following options are available
Purchase at a physical store
It can be purchased at "Fusinone" in JR Numazu station.
It can also be purchased at Izu and village stations.
Buy Online
On Amazon.co.jp, you can purchase Sakuraebi no Mai and choose it for home use or as a gift.
You can also purchase sakuraebi no mai at the official Izu-Mura no Eki online shopping site, "Shizuoka Umachihin".
Using these methods, you can purchase Sakuraebi no Mai and enjoy the delicious rice crackers of Shizuoka Prefecture.
You can also purchase and enjoy sakura shrimp dances from the comfort of your own home by mail order.
Taste of Sakuraebi Mai
When you open the individual package, which is carefully wrapped one piece at a time, you can smell the aroma of shrimp wafting in the air.
It is crispy and light in texture.
Not too thin, not too thick, but when you put it in your mouth, the umami of the shrimp spreads out.
The umami and savory flavor leaves your nose.
Even after swallowing, the original taste of shrimp lingers in the mouth.
Some say it feels more like sakura shrimp than sakura ebi.
It has a rich finish, so we recommend having it with a cup of tea (we highly recommend Shizuoka tea).
The "Sakuraebi no Mai" makes the perfect souvenir or gift!
The "Sakuraebi no Mai" makes an ideal souvenir or gift.
This pastry is baked with a mixture of shrimp powder, flour, and rice, and topped with sakura shrimps, which give it a mellow shrimpy aroma that fills the mouth.
The quality of the product is outstanding as it was awarded Monde Selection 2011-2015 for 4 consecutive years.
By the way, when is the best time to catch sakura shrimps?
After discovering the deliciousness of "Sakuraebi no Mai," one might wonder when the sakura shrimps will be caught.
The time of year when sakura shrimp is caught is divided into two main seasons: spring and fall.
Specifically, the spring fishing season runs from late March to early June, and the fall fishing season from late October to late December.
These times are considered the cherry shrimp season, and each fishing season is determined by taking into account the growth conditions and environment of the shrimp.
For example, the fall fishery is characterized by the abundance of post-spawning individuals, while the spring fishery is characterized by catching winter-grown individuals.
In addition, from June 11 to September 30 is the breeding season for sakura shrimps, so fishing is prohibited for the purpose of resource conservation.
The actual fishing season can be as short as 20 to 30 days due to bad weather and other reasons, making the cherry shrimp fishery an extremely valuable time period.
In Japan, sakura shrimps are fished only in Suruga Bay in Shizuoka Prefecture, and sakura shrimps are landed during these fishing seasons and used in many local dishes and products.
Why is sakura shrimp only found in Suruga Bay?
Sakuraebi can only be caught in Suruga Bay due to the unique topography and environmental conditions of the bay.
The following points are important for the habitat of sakura shrimp, and Suruga Bay is considered a suitable location for sakura shrimp.
Inflow of clear water
Suruga Bay is fed by clear streams such as the Fuji, Abe, and Oi Rivers, which provide a very suitable environment for the growth of sakura shrimp.
The clear streams preserve the water quality of Suruga Bay and create a suitable habitat for sakura shrimp.
Unique terrain
The seafloor of Suruga Bay has a very deep and peculiar topography, which makes it a suitable habitat for sakura shrimps.
Cherry shrimps tend to live in deep water, usually around 200 to 300 meters deep.
Day and night movements: During the day, sakura shrimps stay deep on the ocean floor to avoid light, but at night they move closer to the sea in search of food.
This movement is supported by the unique topography and environment of Suruga Bay.
These unique environmental conditions are the main reason why sakura shrimp is the only species in Japan that can only be caught in Suruga Bay.
summary
Shrimp crackers are filled with the rich flavor of shrimps and have a strong aroma of the sea.
The crispy texture makes it easy to eat, and the umami and saltiness of the sakura shrimps are perfectly balanced.
Baked with a mixture of shrimp powder, flour and rice. Sakura shrimps are also placed on top.
The aroma of mellow shrimp fills the mouth.
It is not only a tea cakes, but also a great snack for alcoholic beverages.
