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How to Buy the Best Pollock Roe (명란, Mentaiko): An Insider’s Guide to Quality and Manufacturing

How to Buy the Best Pollock Roe (명란, Mentaiko): An Insider’s Guide to Quality and Manufacturing

How to Buy the Best Pollock Roe (명란, Mentaiko): An Insider’s Guide to Quality and Manufacturing
최고의 명란을 구매하는 방법: 품질 및 제조 과정에 대한 전문가 가이드

Kevin's Choice Premium Salted Pollock Roe

Pollock roe, known as 명란 (myeongran) in Korea and mentaiko in Japan, is a cherished delicacy in many Asian cuisines. Its rich, briny flavor elevates dishes like rice bowls, pastas, and sushi. But how can you tell if you’re getting the highest-quality roe when you’re at the store?

명란은 한국과 일본에서 사랑받는 별미입니다. 이 풍부한 맛을 지닌 명란을 고를 때 어떻게 최고의 품질을 고를 수 있을까요?

As someone who buys pollock roe for a large grocery chain, I’ve learned a lot about what makes a great product. In this guide, I’ll break down the manufacturing process and highlight key factors to help you pick the best roe, straight from the shelf.

명란의 제조 과정과 구매 시 고려해야 할 요소를 안내해 드리겠습니다.

grilled salted pollock roe with cucumber for wine paring

Butter Grilled Pollock Roe (명란, mentaiko)

The Manufacturing Process: From Sea to Savory Delicacy
제조 과정: 바다에서 명란까지

1. Sundong (선동,On-Ship Processing and Freezing)
선동 (선상에서 처리 및 냉동)

One of the most important steps in maintaining the freshness of pollock roe is 선동, the process of extracting and freezing the roe directly on the fishing vessel. This method ensures that the roe is frozen at peak freshness, immediately after harvesting. By freezing the roe on-site, it prevents degradation in both texture and flavor, which might occur if the roe were left unfrozen during transport to land-based facilities.

명란의 신선도를 유지하는 중요한 과정 중 하나는 선동입니다. 배 위에서 명란을 바로 추출하고 냉동하여 신선도를 최대한 유지합니다. 이 방법으로 명란의 맛과 질감이 유지됩니다.

This technique is a hallmark of high-quality pollock roe, allowing the natural flavor and structure to remain intact from the moment of capture until it reaches the processing stage.
선동과정은 고품질 명란의 특징이며, 명란의 자연스러운 맛과 구조를 가공 단계까지 보존합니다.

Fermentation cave located in Korea, where Kevin's Choice Jeotgals are developing flavors

2. Cave Fermentation for Rich, Balanced Flavor
토굴 숙성으로 깊고 균형 잡힌 맛

Some artisanal producers use traditional cave fermentation to bring out the deeper, more complex flavors in pollock roe. After the roe is salted, it is aged in temperature- and humidity-controlled caves. This method allows the roe to develop a nuanced, rich umami flavor while preserving its delicate texture.

전통적인 토굴 숙성 방식으로 명란의 더 복잡하고 깊은 맛을 이끌어냅니다. 염장을 거친 명란은 일정한 온도와 습도가 유지되는 동굴에서 숙성됩니다.

Cave fermentation is an old-world technique that requires patience and precision. The steady, cool environment in the caves ensures that the roe cures slowly, allowing the natural flavors to fully develop without becoming too overpowering or salty.

토굴 숙성은 인내와 정밀함이 요구되는 전통적인 방법입니다. 이 방식은 명란이 과도하게 짜지 않으면서 자연스러운 맛을 완벽하게 발달시킵니다.

3. The Low-Salinity Trend
저염 트렌드

In recent years, consumers have favored low-salinity pollock roe, reflecting a growing preference for milder flavors. Traditionally, pollock roe was heavily salted to ensure preservation, but today’s processes often use much lower levels of salt. This not only enhances the natural flavor of the roe but also makes it more suitable for those who are looking to reduce sodium intake without compromising taste.

최근 저염 명란이 인기를 끌고 있습니다. 전통적으로는 많은 소금으로 보존했으나, 오늘날에는 더 적은 소금으로 자연스러운 맛을 강조하는 추세입니다.

This lower salt content makes the roe more versatile in cooking, as it can be used in a wider range of dishes without overwhelming the other ingredients.

저염 명란은 더 다양한 요리에 사용 가능하며, 다른 재료의 맛을 해치지 않고 요리에 어우러집니다.


Kevins visits and learns the process of our pollock roe manufacturer in Korea.

What to Look for When Purchasing Pollock Roe
명란 구매 시 알아두어야 할 사항

When you’re shopping for pollock roe, here are the key factors that will help you determine its quality.

명란을 구매할 때 품질을 결정짓는 중요 포인트들을 확인하세요.

1. Size of the Roe
명란의 크기

Pollock roe comes in a variety of sizes, and larger roe sacs are often considered higher in quality. Bigger eggs generally have a creamier texture and a fuller flavor, making them more desirable. When comparing options, check the size of the roe sacs—larger ones will provide a more satisfying taste and texture.

명란은 다양한 크기로 나오며, 일반적으로 큰 명란이 더 고품질로 간주됩니다. 크기가 큰 명란은 더 부드럽고 풍부한 맛을 제공합니다.

2. Origin of the Roe
명란의 산지

Where the roe comes from can greatly affect its flavor and texture. Roe harvested from cold, clean waters, such as those off the coasts of Alaska or northern Japan, tends to be of higher quality. These colder environments produce healthier fish, which results in firmer, more flavorful roe. Always check the packaging to see where the roe was sourced—this can give you a good sense of its quality.

명란의 원산지는 그 맛과 질감에 큰 영향을 미칩니다. 알래스카나 일본 북부의 차가운 청정 수역에서 잡힌 명란은 더 단단하고 풍미가 뛰어납니다. 명란의 산지를 확인하는 것이 중요합니다.


Mentaiko (명란, pollock roe) Risotto Recipe

3. Color and Appearance
명란의 색상과 외관

The color of pollock roe is another important indicator of its freshness and quality. Look for roe that has a vibrant pinkish-red hue. This coloration suggests that the roe has been properly preserved and is fresh. On the other hand, dull or orange roe could be a sign of oxidation or poor storage, which can affect both flavor and texture. Additionally, the skin of the roe sac should be intact, smooth, and undamaged, as this indicates that the roe was handled carefully during extraction and processing.

명란의 색상은 신선도와 품질을 나타내는 중요한 지표입니다. 선명한 붉은 빛을 띠는 명란을 고르고, 흐릿하거나 주황빛이 돈다면 산화되었을 가능성이 있습니다. 또한 명란 주머니의 껍질이 손상되지 않고 매끄러운지 확인하세요.

 

Final Thoughts: Selecting the Best Pollock Roe
최고의 명란을 선택하는 방법

Pollock roe (명란, mentaiko) is a delicacy that can transform a simple dish into something extraordinary. By understanding the meticulous manufacturing process—like 선동 for freezing at sea and cave fermentation for developing rich flavors—you can appreciate the care that goes into producing this beloved ingredient. When shopping, always consider factors like size, origin, and appearance to ensure you’re choosing the best roe.

명란은 요리를 특별하게 만드는 재료입니다. 선동과 동굴 숙성과 같은 제조 과정을 이해하면 이 명란에 담긴 정성을 느낄 수 있습니다. 구매 시 크기, 산지, 외관을 고려해 최고의 명란을 고르세요.

With these insights, you’ll be able to confidently select high-quality pollock roe for your next culinary creation, enjoying its unique and savory flavors in the best possible form.

이 정보를 바탕으로, 고품질 / 맛있는 명란을 자신 있게 선택해보세요.

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