Market Transparency: Severe Weather Impacting Uni
Japan is facing an unprecedented trifecta of natural events: record-high ocean temperatures, a powerful typhoon, and recent earthquake activity. These have severely disrupted the coastal waters and made it incredibly dangerous for the divers who hand-harvest wild sea urchins.
What this means for our sourcing:
- Pricing & Availability: The market price for Uni is expected to remain elevated for the foreseeable future due to extreme shortages
- Small Boxes: We have successfully secured a limited number of small boxes for the display case this week
- Large Boxes: Until the situation eases, we will only be importing large, high-grade boxes of Uni by pre-order only
The Silver Lining: Pristine Fresh Catch
While the Uni market is turbulent, the rest of our sourcing remains incredibly strong.
Kanpachi (Greater Amberjack): A true hallmark of the late summer season. Kanpachi offers a beautifully firm, crisp texture with a remarkably clean, sweet, and slightly nutty flavor profile. A favorite among sushi purists — pairs beautifully with a dab of fresh Wasabi.
Tokishirazu Salmon: The highly coveted "Time-ignorant Salmon." Because this wild-caught young salmon is harvested out of season, it retains all of its energy and fat, resulting in a luxurious, buttery texture that melts on the palate.
Kinmedai (Splendid Alfonsino): A brilliant balance of rich fat and delicate sweetness. We highly recommend lightly searing the skin (aburi style) to release its savory aromatic oils.
Hokkaido Scallops: Plump, sweet, and perfectly tender.