NINBEN Hongare Katsuobushi Block Sebushi 220g from JAPAN

I’ve been put off by the cat food aroma of pre-shaved bonito, so I bought this plus a bonito shaver. Wow, what a difference. This is sublime - subtle, rich, delicate, not salty, smells delicious. Worth the effort and expense.

Ninben is one of the most popular Katsuobushi manufacturers in Japan, trusted for their high quality Katsuobushi. I’m very happy that they sell their products through Amazon in the US. Sebushi is from the dorsal part of a bonito and less fatty, thus the soup stock made from this section tastes light.I recently started making my own Katsuobushi by shaving a stick bonito with a specialized shaver. Fresh Katsuobushi tastes so much better than packaged shaved ones.

Tastes how I expected, and the dogs tried to steal it off the counter

This was my first time buying katsuobushi so I don't have anything to compare it to but this shaves into delicious curls and is a wonderful topping for a number of Japanese foods, or even just on plain rice. It should last a really long time.

I bought it as my cat has lymphoma and I want him to eat. He's been eating packaged bonito flakes which he loves but decided to buy it by the block and freshly shave it for him. The block arrived and we let him smell the block when we opened the package. He followed my son to the kitchen and sat down and meowed. He happily ate the shavings. He ate several helpings. He gets his shavings daily. Happy kitty.Easily shaved with the truffle shaver. My son enjoys doing for his cat and does it at 10:00 at night if it helps to feed him.The expiration date is not until 2020 but I don't think we will have to worry about that. I haven't made dashi with it but one day I will. I have my 2nd block ready for him and have had one sent to my mother who remembers my grandma shaving it for them for them to eat fresh over the hot rice.

ONLY THING IS IT IS HARD TO SHAVE WITHOUT PROPER TOOL

The taste of this shaved flakes is much better than packed Katsuobushi. If you look for a real Japanese standard, this is the one. Remember, you will need to use Katsuobushi shaver box.The product usually shows at least a half year to 1-2 year expiration date from the purchased day. But I got the one which was 'already expired' a half year ago in the last purchase. So, I only give 3 stars. If it did not happen, I may give 4.

Hubby loves it, that is all that matters...