02/10/2023
Facts about Sushi that maybe you didn’t know
1. Origin: Sushi originated in Southeast Asia, not Japan. It was originally a way to preserve fish by fermenting it with rice and salt.
2. Sashimi vs. Sushi: Sashimi is thin slices of raw fish or seafood, while sushi includes vinegared rice with a variety of ingredients, which can include sashimi.
3. Wasabi: Real wasabi is a rare and expensive plant. Most sushi restaurants serve a substitute made from horseradish, mustard, and food coloring.
4. Types of Sushi: There are various types of sushi, including Nigiri (hand-pressed sushi), Maki (rolled sushi), and Sashimi (sliced raw fish).
5. Sushi Etiquette: It’s customary to eat sushi with your fingers, but you can use chopsticks if you prefer. Soy sauce should be used sparingly, and sushi should be eaten in one bite.
6. Conveyor Belt Sushi: In Japan, you can find kaiten-zushi or conveyor belt sushi restaurants where sushi dishes rotate on a conveyor belt for customers to pick from.
7. Omakase: This is a type of dining where the chef selects and serves a series of sushi dishes based on their expertise and the freshest ingredients available.
8. Fugu: Fugu is a Japanese delicacy made from poisonous pufferfish. Preparing it requires highly trained and licensed chefs to ensure it’s safe to eat.
9. International Popularity: Sushi has become popular worldwide and has evolved with regional variations, like California rolls and tempura rolls.
10. Health Benefits: Sushi can be a healthy choice, as it often includes fresh fish, vegetables, and seaweed, which are rich in nutrients and low in fat.
These facts highlight the rich history and diversity of sushi as a beloved culinary tradition.
