Sushi is a popular Japanese cuisine that has gained popularity all around the world in recent years. The dish typically consists of small portions of raw fish or other seafood served on a bed of vinegared rice. While most people are familiar with the basic concept of sushi, there are many facts and details about this cuisine that are not widely known. Here are 10 things you didn’t know about sushi.
Fun Facts About Sushi
- Sushi was originally a street food in Japan. It was sold by vendors who would carry their wares in wooden boxes and sell them to people passing by. It wasn’t until the 19th century that sushi began to be served in restaurants.
- The word “sushi” actually refers to the vinegared rice used in the dish, not the raw fish or other ingredients. The correct term for the raw fish or seafood served with sushi is “sashimi.”
- Sushi was originally a way of preserving fish. By packing it in vinegar-soaked rice, the fish would be preserved for longer periods of time.
- The practice of eating sushi with chopsticks is a relatively recent development. Traditionally, sushi was eaten with the fingers.
- Sushi chefs undergo years of training to perfect their craft. In Japan, it can take up to 10 years of apprenticeship before a chef is considered fully trained.
- There are many different types of sushi, including nigiri (a small piece of fish or seafood on top of a bed of rice), maki (a roll of rice and filling wrapped in seaweed), and temaki (a cone-shaped roll of seaweed filled with rice and ingredients).
- The way sushi is presented and served is just as important as the taste. Sushi chefs often spend hours arranging and presenting the sushi in a visually appealing way.
- In Japan, it is considered impolite to mix wasabi into soy sauce when eating sushi. Instead, the wasabi should be placed on the sushi itself before being dipped into the soy sauce.
- The most expensive sushi in the world was sold for over $1,000 per piece. The sushi, made with bluefin tuna, was served at a restaurant in Tokyo and was sold as part of a charity auction.
- Despite its popularity around the world, there are still some people who are hesitant to try sushi due to concerns about the safety of raw fish. However, sushi chefs take great care to ensure that the fish they use is fresh and safe to eat.
Sushi is a fascinating and complex cuisine that has a rich history and cultural significance. While many people are familiar with the basics of sushi, there are many details and facts about the dish that are not widely known. From the origins of sushi as a street food to the years of training that sushi chefs undergo, there is much to learn and appreciate about this popular Japanese cuisine.