Nowadays, when 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 good for you too. With its delicate balance of flavors and artistic presentation, it has captured the hearts of foodies around the world. Sushi is a traditional Japanese dish made primarily of rice mixed with various ingredients such as raw or cooked seafood, vegetables, and sometimes tropical fruits. It is often served with soy sauce, pickled ginger and wasabi. In sushi, rice is cooked with a mixture of vinegar, sugar and salt, which gives it a distinct spicy taste. Sushi comes in a variety of forms, including nigiri (pieces of fish over rice), maki (rolled sushi), and sashimi (pieces of raw fish served without rice). Now, if you think you know everything there is to know about sushi, you might be wrong. It has an interesting history behind it that spans centuries and has some surprises in store for us.
Also read: A beginner’s guide to making sushi, including useful tips
Amazing fact number 1:
Did you know that when sushi was invented, it was never eaten?! It actually started as a way to keep food fresh when refrigeration wasn’t 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.
Shocking fact number 2:
Although Japan is considered the birthplace of sushi, it is not! Around the 2nd century AD, people in Southeast Asia (primarily China) discovered that wrapping raw fish in rice kept it edible for months. Gradually, around the 8th century, the concept spread to Japan and the preservation practice died out in China as people there stopped eating preserved seafood.
Amazing fact number 3:
Sushi, the exotic food we know today, began as street food in Tokyo, according to the New World Encyclopedia. Sushi was originally called nare-zushi. This early iteration involved placing fish and rice in wooden barrels and fermenting them together for months. While the resulting flavor was undoubtedly pungent, it served as the main food source for Japanese warriors and travelers.
Also read: 5 common myths about sushi that you should stop believing now
Sushi, as we know it today, is a delicious dish in fine dining restaurants.
Photo Credit: iStock
The rise of sushi: how it started
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 found ways to serve fresh, delicious seafood to the masses. Edo-mae sushi, which translates to “in front of Edo”, refers to sushi made from fresh fish caught from Tokyo Bay and served over seasoned rice.
Evolution of Nigiri Sushi
Nigiri sushi, arguably the most iconic form of sushi, originated during the late Edo period. Hanaya Yohei, a visionary sushi chef, is credited with revolutionizing sushi by molding vinegared rice into bite-sized pieces and topping them with slices of fresh fish. The fermentation process is no longer needed. This innovation not only enhanced the taste of sushi but also transformed it as a culinary art form.
From street food to exotic delicacies
According to reports, the sushi changed again after World War II and a major earthquake. It transformed from a quick street snack to a fancy restaurant dish. Chefs began to get creative, adding different ingredients to make sushi even more appealing. Today, sushi is not just a Japanese thing; It is all over the world. Chefs everywhere are creating their own versions, adding new flavors and ingredients.
Also read: Try This Delicious Pinwheel Chicken Sandwich That Looks Like Sushi (Recipe Inside)
Sushi goes global
In the mid-20th century, sushi began its journey beyond the shores of Japan. As international travel increased and cultural exchange increased, sushi gained popularity in cities around the world. However, with globalization came adaptation to suit local tastes and ingredients. For example, California Rolls feature avocado and cooked crab meat, catering to Western flavors while maintaining the essence of sushi.
Modern inventions and variations of sushi take off
Today, sushi continues to evolve with innovation and creativity. From fusion rolls incorporating a variety of ingredients to vegetarian and vegan options, sushi has become a versatile culinary canvas for chefs and food enthusiasts. Techniques such as sashimi, where pieces of raw fish are served without rice, demonstrate the purity of the ingredients and the skill of the chef.
