winter shijimi clam
Refers to shijimi clams (Corbicula japonica) harvested in winter, when they are considered especially plump and flavorful. A seasonal food term.
Winter shijimi clams are exceptional in miso soup.
The winter shijimi clams this season are plump and delicious.
Compound of 寒 (kan, 'cold, winter') and 蜆 (shijimi, 'shijimi clam'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the term is conventionally associated with the seasonal delicacy.