1.
in season, peak season (for food)
The time of year when a particular food (fish, vegetable, fruit) is at its most plentiful, freshest, and best-tasting. A central concept in Japanese cuisine.
秋は秋刀魚の旬だ。
Autumn is the peak season for Pacific saury.
旬の食材を使った料理は格別だ。
Dishes made with seasonal ingredients are exceptional.
旬の野菜は栄養も豊富で値段も手頃だ。
Vegetables in season are nutritious and reasonably priced.
2.
peak, prime, height of popularity
By extension, the period when something or someone is at their best or most relevant.
あの俳優は今が旬だ。
That actor is at the peak of his popularity right now.
旬を過ぎた話題だ。
It's a topic that's past its prime.
旬の話題をいち早く取り上げるのがこの番組の特徴だ。
The hallmark of this show is that it picks up trending topics quickly.
USAGE:
旬 reflects the deep importance of seasonality in Japanese food culture. Eating 旬 foods is valued both for taste and for connecting with the seasons. The extended sense 2 (peak of popularity) is common in casual conversation.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 旬の食材: seasonal ingredients
- 旬の魚: fish in season
- 旬を迎える: to come into season
- 旬が過ぎる: to go out of season; to be past one's peak