Kona Abalone

In the mainland Abalone can be pretty hard to get so I was pretty stoked to see a stand that would sell me two for $ 7 bucks. While this seems pricy, you should see what this stuff costs in California (where Chinese folks are super duper in to it).
It was good, but it comes unseasoned and I think some sort of sweet yakitori type sauce would really pull this thing together.

Kona Abalone is one of the most popular food stands at the KCC Farmers’ Market on Saturday. As the name indicates, this stand sells fresh abalone from the Big Island. This stand is very popular with Japanese tourists. As it should be as this abalone is a variety called Ezo that is derived from Northern Japan.
There are several offerings of abalone. You can buy live abalone here, but the ready to eat items are most popular. While abalone sashimi seemed appetizing, the majority of folks come here for the barbecue abalone that are fresh off the grill.
Each order contains two pieces of abalone for $ 7. Not a cheap eat, but I have been fascinated with this stand every time I come to market that I finally decided to try it out. The abalone is grilled, but there is no seasoning. So you will need to add condiments to it to give it some more flavor.
I decided to eat the abalone au naturale without the use of any sauces. The texture of the abalone is a lot like a mushroom. Particularly the king mushroom as it is quite chewy and dense. If you are expecting it to be squishy like a clam or oyster, you will be disappointed.
If you are at the KCC Farmers’ Market, I think it is a toss up whether you should try this delicacy out. It seems a little pricey for what you get, but if you live nowhere near the ocean or where it is unavailable, I think it is worth a try due to the intrigue factor.