Musings / Jan. 5, 2009.

Musings / Jan. 5, 2009

Yomiuri

The following is a translation of the Henshu Techo column from The Yomiuri Shimbun's Jan. 5 issue.

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Surume, or dried squid, are said to have served as lucky charms in Japan since ancient times. They are used as New Year ornaments and at weddings, as well as being buried as a divine offering under the dohyo ring prepared for each grand sumo tournament.

To make surume, fresh squid are cut open and dried. If a good deal of time and effort is spent on preparation, their sweetness and flavor increase and quality is retained for a long time.

The Susami branch of the Wakayama-Minami Fisheries …