Nowadays, enjoying a fancy dinner out, what do you find on almost every table? Yes, sushi! It's everywhere these days, right? Sushi isn't just delicious; it's also good for you. With its delicate balance of flavours and artful presentation, it has captured the hearts of foodies worldwide. Sushi is a traditional Japanese dish made primarily of seasoned rice combined with various ingredients like raw or cooked seafood, vegetables, and sometimes tropical fruits. It's often served with soy sauce, pickled ginger, and wasabi. The rice in sushi is seasoned with a mixture of vinegar, sugar, and salt, giving it a distinct tangy flavour. Sushi comes in various forms, including nigiri (slices of fish atop rice), maki (rolled sushi), and sashimi (slices of raw fish served without rice). Now, if you think that you know all about sushi there is to know, you may be wrong. Behind it lies a fascinating history that spans centuries and has some surprises in store for us.
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Surprising Fact No. 1:
Did you know when sushi was invented, it was never meant to be eaten?! It actually started as a way to keep food fresh when refrigeration was not an option. The name "sushi" means "it's sour" in Japanese, reflecting the sour taste of the rice and salt used in the preservation process.
Surprising Fact No. 2:
Even though Japan is thought to be the origin of sushi, it's not! Way back in Southeast Asia (mainly China) around the second century A.D., people figured out that by wrapping raw fish in rice, it stayed edible for months. Gradually, around the 8th century, the concept spread to Japan, and the preservation method fizzled out in China as people there stopped eating preserved seafood.
Surprising Fact No. 3:
Sushi, the exotic food we know today, started out as street food in Tokyo, as stated by the New World Encyclopedia. Sushi was originally called nare-zushi. This early iteration involved placing fish and rice in a wooden barrel and fermenting them together for months. While the resulting flavour was undoubtedly pungent, it served as a staple food source for Japanese warriors and travellers.
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Sushi, as we know it today, is a delicacy in fine-dining restaurants.
Photo Credit: iStock
The Rise Of Sushi: How It Began
It was during the Edo period (17th to 19th century) that sushi, as we recognize it today, began to take shape. In bustling Edo (present-day Tokyo), street vendors and sushi chefs sought ways to serve fresh, flavorful seafood to the masses. Edo-mae sushi, which translates to "in front of Edo," refers to sushi made with fresh fish caught from Tokyo Bay and served atop seasoned rice.
The Evolution of Nigiri Sushi
Nigiri sushi, arguably the most iconic form of sushi, made its debut during the end of the Edo period. Hanaya Yohei, a visionary sushi chef, is credited with revolutionizing sushi by moulding vinegared rice into bite-sized pieces and topping them with slices of fresh fish. The fermentation process was no longer needed. This innovation not only elevated the flavours of sushi but also transformed it into a culinary art form.
From Street Food To Exotic Delicacy
According to reports, after World War II and a big earthquake, sushi changed again. It went from being a quick street snack to a fancy restaurant dish. Chefs started getting creative, mixing different ingredients and making sushi even fancier. Today, sushi isn't just a Japanese thing; it's all over the world. Chefs everywhere are making their own versions, adding new flavours and ingredients.
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Sushi Went Global
In the mid-20th century, sushi began its journey beyond the shores of Japan. As international travel increased and cultural exchange flourished, sushi gained popularity in cities around the world. However, with globalization came adaptations to suit local tastes and ingredients. California rolls, for example, feature avocado and cooked crab meat, catering to Western palates while still keeping sushi's essence.
Modern Innovations and Variations Of Sushi Took Flight
Today, sushi continues to evolve, with innovation and creativity. From fusion rolls incorporating diverse ingredients to vegetarian and vegan options, sushi has become a versatile culinary canvas for chefs and food enthusiasts alike. Techniques like sashimi, where slices of raw fish are served without rice, showcase the purity of ingredients and the skill of the chef.