Akakabu Sushi (赤カブ寿司)

Sushi does not always need fish to shine. In fact, akakabu sushi proves that point beautifully. So what is akakabu sushi? It is nigiri topped with pickled red turnip from Hida. Literally, the Japanese name means red turnip sushi. Specifically, its topping is a famous pickle from Gifu’s mountains. Indeed, the pickle glows a deep, jewel-like crimson. Moreover, its gentle sourness pairs wonderfully with vinegared rice. Today, the dish belongs to a special local sushi set from Gifu. This guide explains the story behind this unusual nigiri. We will meet the rare turnip and the pickle it becomes. We will also see how sushi chefs turned it into a star. By the end, you may crave vegetable sushi yourself. TOCQuick Facts About Akakabu Sushi Japanese Name赤かぶ寿司 / 赤かぶにぎり (akakabu sushi)English NameRed turnip sushiTypeVegetable nigiri topped with pickled red turnipKey IngredientAkakabu-zuke, fermented Hida red turnip pickleTurnip VarietyHida beni kabu, discovered in 1918RegionGifu Prefecture, especially Hida TakayamaServed AsPart of the Gifu Gokan (five-piece) sushi set Akakabu sushi is a vegetable nigiri from Gifu Prefecture. Specifically, its topping is fermented red turnip pickle from Hida. H...