【Reading】えんぺら

【English Name】Enpera (Squid Fin)

Enpera is a name referring to the triangular fin portion attached mainly to the body (mantle) of squid, also called the "squid's ears" (ika no mimi). It is also an organ involved in changing direction and stabilizing posture when the squid swims.

There are two theories about the origin of the name. One holds that it shifted from "emperor," because the triangle of the fin resembles Napoleon's hat. The other holds that it became "enpera" because it is a part whose edge (en) is flimsy and floppy (pera-pera); at present no conclusion has been reached.

As an ingredient, it is characterized by a stronger bite compared with the flesh of the body, and a distinctive crisp, crunchy texture. Besides being served as sashimi or a sushi topping, it is also widely used in tempura, stir-fries, and simmered dishes. In particular, the enpera of bigfin reef squid (aori-ika) has a deep sweetness, and among connoisseurs it is sometimes preferred over the body. Making decorative knife cuts improves how the soy sauce blends in, and also improves the finished result as nigiri.

Note that "enpera" is a name used not only for squid but also for the soft, gelatinous part at the edge of the shell (carapace) of the softshell turtle (suppon); this part is said to be rich in collagen and is used in hot pots and vinegared dishes.