Kezuriki facts for kids

A katsuobushi kezuriki, showing its blade and collection drawer

A katsuobushi kezuriki (pronounced kah-tsoo-oh-boo-shee keh-zoo-ree-kee) is a special tool from Japan. It looks a bit like a small wooden box with a sharp blade, similar to a wood plane used for shaping wood, or a mandoline used for slicing vegetables. This tool is used to shave very thin flakes from a hard block of dried fish called katsuobushi.

Katsuobushi is made from skipjack tuna, a type of fish. The tuna is cooked, smoked, and then dried until it becomes as hard as wood. This process helps to preserve the fish and gives it a very rich, savory flavor.

How to Use a Katsuobushi Kezuriki

Using a katsuobushi kezuriki is quite simple. You hold a block of katsuobushi and move it back and forth across the sharp blade. As you do this, thin, delicate shavings come off the block. These shavings fall into a small wooden drawer at the bottom of the tool.

Once you have enough shavings, you can open the drawer and take them out. The shavings are usually sorted into two main sizes, which are used for different kinds of cooking.

What Are Katsuobushi Shavings Used For?

Katsuobushi shavings are a very important part of Japanese cuisine. They add a unique, savory taste to many dishes.

Different Types of Shavings

• Kezurikatsuo (keh-zoo-ree-kah-tsoo-oh): These are larger and thicker shavings. They are often boiled with a type of seaweed called kombu to make a flavorful broth called dashi. Dashi is a basic ingredient in many Japanese soups and sauces.
• Hanakatsuo (hah-nah-kah-tsoo-oh): These are smaller and thinner shavings. They are used as a topping or a flavoring for many Japanese dishes. For example, you might see them sprinkled on top of okonomiyaki (a savory pancake) or takoyaki (octopus balls). When hot, hanakatsuo shavings sometimes appear to "dance" on top of the food, which is fun to watch!

Katsuobushi Kezuriki Today

In the past, almost every Japanese home had a katsuobushi kezuriki. People would shave their own katsuobushi fresh for cooking. However, today, it's much more common for Japanese families to buy packages of already-shaved hanakatsuo or kezurikatsuo from supermarkets. This is quicker and more convenient. Even so, some people still prefer to shave their own katsuobushi for the freshest flavor.