Whale meat

(CC) Photo: Franklin Bynum
Whale meat is considered a delicacy in Japan. Here, the meat has been chopped into a thin strip of sashimi.

Whale meat refers to the edible flesh of various species of whale. It can be prepared and eaten in various ways, and for example forms one part of traditional Japanese cuisine (鯨肉 gei niku 'whale meat'). Servings also appear on menus in Norway and Iceland, where whales are also hunted, and also some Aboriginal communities take whales for their meat.

In recent years, however, concerns have been raised about the levels of pollutants in samples of whale meat, and many people around the world object to the hunting and eating of whales and dolphins.

Whale meat in Japan

(CC) Photo: Andrew Lin
Specialist shops sell whale meat in Japan. Look out for signs labelled '鯨肉' (gei niku 'whale meat') or 'くじら' (kujira 'whale').

Whale meat is considered a delicacy in Japan. It is readily available from specialist shops (signed 鯨 or くじら kujira, 'whale') , and is often chopped into small slices to make sashimi (刺身) - thin strips of raw meat or other seafood. Different regions prepare the meat in distinct ways; for example, whale meat in Kyushu is served as fresh as possible, whereas northern diners prefer the meat to be flavoured through delaying freezing for a day or so after slaughter.

(CC) Photo: Bernt Rostad
Pan fried fresh whale meat steaks.

The Japanese have hunted whales since at least the eighth century, since the practice is mentioned in the Kojiki (古事記), Japan's oldest document, dating back to that time. Whale meat was common in the nation's diet until the mid-twentieth century. In recent years, the government of Japan has encouraged people to eat more whale meat, as sales have been declining. School programmes have been set up to educate children on the life cycle of the meat, from the ocean to the dinner plate. Adult courses in preparing whale meat have also appeared. Total sponsorship by the government runs into millions of dollars annually.

Whale meat in Norway

(CC) Photo: Morgan Thiesson
Smoked whale meat and fish on sale at a market in Bergen, Norway.

(CC) Photo: David R. Lewis
Fresh whale meat on sale in Norway.

Norwegian markets supply whale meat, usually from minke whales, in cities such as Bergen. Often the meat is smoked, but fresh whale meat is also available. English signs are often placed to help buyers unfamiliar with Norwegian to identify the meat amongst other produce. Whereas the Japanese usually consume whale meat in small amounts, as a delicacy, Norwegians prefer whale steaks, sometimes seasoned with parsley or red and green peppers or just salt and pepper.

See also

• Whale
• Whaling
• Culture of Japan