horse meat; horseflesh
Euphemistic term for horse meat, often used in culinary contexts. The name derives from the pinkish color resembling cherry blossoms.
See also: 馬肉
In Kumamoto, horse meat is sometimes eaten as sashimi.
The stewed horse meat at this restaurant is exquisite.
Standard kanji spelling; literally 'cherry blossom meat', a euphemism for horse meat.
Mixed kana-kanji spelling, also used.
From 桜 (sakura, 'cherry blossom') + 肉 (niku, 'meat'), referring to the pinkish color of raw horse meat resembling cherry blossoms. A euphemism used in culinary contexts.