【Reading】とうだいつぶ

【English Name】Todai Tsubu (Lighthouse Whelk)

Todai-tsubu is the market name for an elongated spiral shell with clear helical ridges, the name deriving from its outer shape resembling a lighthouse tower. Representative species are members of the genus Buccinum of the family Buccinidae, such as himomakibai, shiraitomakibai, kubirebai, and ookarafutobai. They inhabit depths of 30–600 m from the Sea of Japan to the Sea of Okhotsk, with Hokkaido as the main production area. Their strengths are a pleasant elasticity and a light sweetness, and in addition to sashimi and nigiri, they are also beloved in the Hokkaido specialty "yaki-tsubu" (grilled whelk). Because the salivary gland contains a toxin called tetramine, its removal is essential before cooking. The toxin is not broken down even by heating and transfers into the simmering liquid as well, so careful preparation is indispensable.