(かつおぶし)

かつおぶし
noun
dried bonito flakes
1. dried bonito flakes, katsuobushi
Thin shavings of dried, fermented, and smoked skipjack tuna, used for making dashi and as a topping.
鰹節(かつおぶし)(けず)る。
Shave dried bonito.
Traditional preparation involves shaving from a block
(この)()きの(うえ)鰹節(かつおぶし)をかける。
Sprinkle bonito flakes on top of okonomiyaki.
鰹節(かつおぶし)昆布(こんぶ)()わせ出汁(だし)(つく)る。
Make combined dashi from bonito flakes and kelp.
()ややっこに鰹節(かつおぶし)をのせて()べる。
Eat chilled tofu topped with bonito flakes.
(あつ)料理(りょうり)(うえ)鰹節(かつおぶし)をのせると、ゆらゆら(うご)いて面白(おもしろ)い。
Placing bonito flakes on hot food makes them sway around in an interesting way.

One of the hardest natural foods in the world. The fermentation process can take months. Types:

  • 荒節(あらぶし) (arabushi) - basic dried/smoked bonito
  • 枯節(かれぶし) (karebushi) - mold-fermented, higher quality
  • 本枯節(ほんかれぶし) (honkarebushi) - multiple fermentations, premium

Forms available:

  • (けず)(ぶし) (pre-shaved flakes)
  • (いと)(けず)り (fine threads)
  • (あつ)(けず)り (thick shavings for dashi)

The flakes 'dance' ((おど)る) when placed on hot food due to heat convection.