【Reading】やまめ

【English Name】Yamame Trout (Cherry Trout)

Yamame is a landlocked (stream-resident) freshwater form of the cherry salmon (sakuramasu) of the salmon family, spending its entire life in rivers without descending to the sea. Widely distributed in cold mountain-stream areas from Hokkaido to Kyushu, it bears the nickname "Queen of the Mountain Stream." Its flanks have oval markings called parr marks, which fade with growth. At two years old it reaches about 20 cm in total length. The flavor is light and free of off-tastes, suiting a variety of dishes such as salt-grilling and deep-frying. Wild individuals may carry parasites, so raw consumption requires caution. Sushi toppings are mainly farmed fish, and the season runs from early summer to early autumn.