MODERN EEL FARMING PROCESS IN JAPAN THAT HAS A PRICE LIKE GOLD

Summary

Unagi, or Japanese eel, is an expensive delicacy primarily consumed in kabayaki form during summer. The high cost is due to the decline in wild eel populations and the challenging process of farming eels. Eels are caught from their natural habitats and raised in carefully monitored farms like Yamada Suisana in Kagoshima, which produces high-quality, chemical-free eels. After a year of careful nurturing, the eels are harvested, processed, and packaged for restaurants or factories. Japan has strict regulations to protect eel populations and ensure sustainable practices, although the future of unagi remains uncertain.

Takeaways

• 😀 Unagi is an expensive and typical food in Japan, often eaten during the summer, made from freshwater eels, especially Japanese eels.
• 😀 The price of unagi is driven by the decreasing eel population in the wild and the high risks associated with farming eels.
• 😀 Japan imports eels from China, Taiwan, and Indonesia, but Japanese eels are typically larger and considered of higher quality.
• 😀 Eels in Japan are primarily caught from the wild, as there are no farms capable of breeding them efficiently.
• 😀 Glass eels, the young eel stage, are costly, with a 1-gram eel priced at around 1.2 million yen.
• 😀 Eel farming requires constant care, with farmers monitoring factors like feeding, swimming behavior, and the smell of the water.
• 😀 Yamada Suisana, one of the largest eel farms, produces 1000 tons of eels annually and does not use chemicals or antibiotics.
• 😀 Eels are fed twice daily with freshly prepared pellets made from fish meal, wheat flour, soybean meal, and fish oil.
• 😀 After 12 months, eels are harvested, sorted by size, and some are anesthetized with ice to keep them fresh during transport.
• 😀 The processed eels are either sold in restaurants or packaged for kabayaki preparation, where they are grilled, steamed, and wrapped in airtight packaging.
• 😀 The Japanese government is working to ensure the sustainability of eel populations through strict regulations and efforts to improve breeding on farms.

Q & A

Why is unagi in Japan so expensive?

Unagi is expensive due to factors like overfishing, the difficulty of breeding eels in captivity, and the high cost of obtaining eel seeds from the wild. Additionally, the eel farming process requires careful attention to prevent diseases and ensure the eels are raised in optimal conditions.

What is the meaning of the word 'unagi' in Japan?

In Japan, 'unagi' typically refers to freshwater eels, particularly Japanese eels, which are processed into a dish called kabayaki. It can also refer to eel in general.

Why has the eel population in Japan declined?

The eel population in Japan has declined due to overfishing and changes in their habitat. Over the years, the number of eels caught in the wild has significantly decreased, impacting the availability and price of eels.

What challenges do Japanese eel farms face?

Japanese eel farms face challenges such as high costs for eel seeds, disease outbreaks that can spread rapidly in dense farming conditions, and the difficulty of breeding eels in captivity. Additionally, ensuring clean water and maintaining a disease-free environment are critical to successful eel farming.

What are 'glass eels'?

Glass eels are young eels that are transparent and are typically caught in the wild during the breeding season. They are highly valuable and are raised in farms to reach a larger size before being sold.

How does the farming process work at large eel farms like Yamada Suisana?

At large eel farms like Yamada Suisana, young eels are raised in ponds where workers carefully monitor their health and environment. The farm uses clean spring water from the Kirisima mountains and does not use chemicals or antibiotics. The eels are fed twice a day and are closely watched for any signs of illness.

What role does the Japanese government play in eel farming?

The Japanese government has implemented strict regulations regarding eel farming, such as setting standards for catching eel seeds from the wild and requiring breeders to release adult eels back into nature. The government also supports efforts to improve the efficiency of breeding eels on farms.

How are eels harvested and prepared for sale?

Eels are harvested by using nets and hoses to collect them from the ponds. Afterward, they are sorted by size and placed on ice to keep them fresh. They are then processed for kabayaki, a traditional eel dish, by grilling and coating them in kabayaki powder before packaging.

Why is it important to use fresh pellets for feeding eels?

It is important to use fresh pellets because if they are made too far in advance, they will harden, making it difficult for the eels to eat them. Freshly prepared pellets ensure the eels receive the necessary nutrients for growth.

How does the eel processing process ensure the eels remain fresh for consumption?

The eels are carefully sorted, frozen with ice, and packed in airtight plastic to preserve their freshness. They are then sealed and stored at minus 18 degrees Celsius, which allows them to be consumed for several months without preservatives.