New Year’s Eve Street Food Experience
Last New Year’s Eve, my partner, our beloved dog Eve, and I strolled around Tsukiji Honganji Temple in Tokyo. Wandering near the Tsukiji market, we passed a seafood stall. Enticed by the tantalizing aroma and fresh seafood, we ordered scallops grilled in butter and soy sauce and enjoyed them standing in front of the stall. The taste, savored on a cold street night, was unforgettable, surpassing even the most luxurious of meals.
Scallops: High in Protein, Low in Calories
Scallops, thriving in the cold seas of Hokkaido and Aomori, are a nutritious food, high in protein and low in fat, making them excellent for diets. They contain levels of taurine comparable to oysters, as well as potassium, zinc, iron, and vitamin B12, all beneficial nutrients for the body.
utritional Comparison Between Scallops and Meats
Let’s compare scallops to beef and chicken in terms of major nutrients. Scallops have significantly lower calories and fat compared to meats. They are an ideal diet-friendly food due to their high protein and low-calorie content. For reference, Wagyu beef, known for its marbling, contains more fat.
| Nutritional values per 100g | エネルギー（kcal） | Water（g） | Protein（g） | Fat（g） | Fat（mg） | Zinc（mg） | Vitamin B12（μg） |
| Scallops/Raw | 66 | 82.3 | 13.5 | 0.9 | 2.2 | 2.7 | 11.0 |
| Wagyu Beef/shoulder loin/Raw | 380 | 47.9 | 13.8 | 37.4 | 0.7 | 4.6 | 1.1 |
| Imported Beef/shoulder loin/Raw | 221 | 63.8 | 17.9 | 17.4 | 1.2 | 5.8 | 1.8 |
| Chicken/Thigh with skin/Raw | 234 | 62.9 | 17.3 | 19.1 | 0.9 | 1.7 | 0.5 |
Benefits of Nutrients Abundant in Scallops
Now, let’s summarize the benefits of the main nutrients found in scallops.
Taurine: Taurine is one of the essential nutrients found in scallops. It is present in various organs and tissues of the human body, including the heart, lungs, liver, brain, and bone marrow. Taurine is considered crucial for maintaining life as it plays a role in various bodily functions. It binds with bile acids to help reduce cholesterol levels. Additionally, taurine is known to enhance the functions of the heart and liver, promote insulin secretion, and contribute to the prevention of high blood pressure. While the human body can produce taurine to some extent, dietary intake is necessary to meet the required levels.
Potassium: Scallops are a good source of potassium. Potassium is known for its ability to help remove sodium (salt) from the bloodstream, making it effective in preventing high blood pressure. It also aids in eliminating excess fluids from the body, which can help alleviate swelling.
Iron: Iron is an essential mineral found in scallops and is a component of red blood cells. It plays a crucial role in transporting oxygen to various cells and tissues throughout the body, making it an important nutrient for preventing anemia. Adequate iron intake can lead to improved physical performance and cognitive abilities. Iron also contributes to the production of collagen, which is vital for healthy skin and hair.
Zinc: Zinc is classified as an essential trace mineral because the human body cannot produce it on its own. Scallops are rich in zinc, and this mineral is found in various organs such as teeth, bones, liver, kidneys, and muscles. Zinc has a wide range of functions, including maintaining taste sensation, supporting the immune system, promoting reproductive function, preserving healthy skin, preventing hair loss, contributing to children’s growth, and maintaining liver function.
Magnesium: Magnesium is another essential mineral present in scallops. It plays a crucial role in activating more than 300 different enzymes in the human body. While a significant portion of magnesium is stored in bones, it is also found in muscles, the brain, and nerves. Magnesium supports muscle contraction, the transmission of nerve signals, and the regulation of body temperature and blood pressure.
Vitamin B12: Vitamin B12, found in scallops, is involved in various biological processes, including the synthesis of proteins, nucleic acids, amino acids, and fatty acids. It is also related to the production of hemoglobin, a component of red blood cells. Therefore, a deficiency in vitamin B12 can lead to anemia, even if there is sufficient iron intake. Additionally, vitamin B12 deficiency can result in nerve pain, neuropathy, and other neurological issues, emphasizing its role in maintaining nerve function.
Folate (Folic Acid): Folate, part of the B-vitamin group, is often referred to as the “blood-building vitamin.” It aids in the production of red blood cells and is crucial for preventing anemia. Folate also plays a vital role in DNA synthesis, making it essential during periods of rapid cell division, such as fetal development. Consequently, women planning for pregnancy or already pregnant are encouraged to consume adequate amounts of folate.
Moderation is Key
While scallops are beneficial, it’s important to be mindful of their high zinc content. Excessive consumption of scallops can lead to an overabundance of zinc, potentially resulting in symptoms such as loss of appetite, diarrhea, and interference with the absorption of iron and copper. This interference can contribute to conditions like anemia and a decline in immune function. Recommended daily intake is approximately three scallops for women and four for men.
Where to Find Butter Soy Sauce Grilled Scallops?
Now that we know about the nutritional benefits of scallops, where can we enjoy them? In Tokyo, you can find them near the old Tsukiji market and in many seafood restaurants. In regions like Hokkaido and Aomori, Japanese cuisine restaurants often offer them. The peak seasons for natural scallops are twice a year: summer (May-August) and winter (December-March). If you find yourself in Hokkaido or Aomori during these times, don’t miss the opportunity to try them.
Japanese Street Food Culture
Street food in Japan is not commonly encountered in everyday city life. However, markets and tourist spots offer chances to experience various street foods. Additionally, during shrine or temple festivals, fireworks, and local celebrations, numerous food stalls line up. By choosing the right place and time, one can immerse themselves in the unique street food culture of Japan.