Kobako Crab
A small shell packed with exquisite flavor – Kobako Crab

About Kobako Crab

Kobako Crab (香箱ガニ, kobako gani) refers to female snow crabs harvested in Ishikawa Prefecture. These crabs are about half the size of the male snow crab, known locally as Kano Gani, and have less meat. However, what makes Kobako Crab truly special is the presence of eggs in its abdomen, a feature not found in males. The brown external eggs, called Sotoko, are found under the crab's abdominal lid, while the orange, immature roe inside is called Uchiko.

Though small in size and light on meat, the creamy texture and rich flavor of the Uchiko are what make Kobako Crab a delicacy not to be missed. The crabs are caught using bottom trawl nets, but strict regulations in Ishikawa Prefecture for the sake of resource conservation dictate a short fishing season. The season begins on November 6th and, as of the 2014 fishing year, ends by December 29th. The harsh winter storms of the Sea of Japan and the limited fishing period make Ishikawa's Kobako Crab a rare and highly sought-after treat.

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