People all over the world love eating sushi, but many of them don’t know much about it.
While they are aware of what ingredients are in their favourite rolls and the difference between nigiri and maki, there are other interesting things they have no idea about.
If you want to surprise everyone with your deep knowledge of sushi the next time you are entertaining, you should try sharing these facts with them.
1. Sushi did not originate in Japan
While this is often seen as a Japanese invention, it was actually created in Southeast Asia.
A dish called nare-zushi, which consisted of rice with fish wrapped around it originated someplace by the Mekong River, which is nowhere near Japan.
After being created there, it became popular in China before it reached Japan and became the popular dish that it is today.
2. Real wasabi is expensive
The wasabi you are offered in many restaurants is not authentic at all.
In fact, this is actually horseradish and mustard powder that has been coloured green in order to look like the real thing.
This is typically done because the plant is very pricey. Many restaurants who offer it charge extra to offset the costs.
3. Sushi rice was once considered trash
When sushi was invented, the rice was wrapped around the fish in order to give it a unique flavour, extend its life and protect it from insects.
Once it was time to eat the fish, the rice was discarded.
Apparently, someone thought better of wasting so much of the grain that they adapted the recipe to incorporate the discarded rice.
Instead of aged and fermented fish and rice, fresh seafood is wrapped in rice that has been prepared with vinegar.
4. The word ‘sushi’ refers to the rice
Many people seem a bit puzzled when they are offered sushi that does not include fish. They think of it as being inauthentic when that is not the case at all.
The word “sushi” actually refers to the rice that is used when preparing these dishes, which means that as long as there is vinegared rice in the roll, it does not have to contain fish for it to be considered genuine.
5. Seaweed is not the only maki wrapper
While seaweed is the most popular ingredient used as a wrap for sushi, there are other things that can be used as well.
Egg, thinly sliced cucumber, semi-firm avocado and soy paper are all alternatives.
Some people prefer these alternatives because they aren’t fans of seaweed.
This is an acquired taste and some believe that the strong flavour takes away from the mildness of the other ingredients, like vegetables and fish.
6. An earthquake made it more popular
Sushi was traditionally seen as street food and many vendors could not afford to open brick-and-mortar locations.
This all changed after there was an earthquake in 1923.
The prices of property dipped so low that it was suddenly attainable to purchase a restaurant and serve sushi there.
Now it is far more common to see this being served in an eatery than to see it served on the side of the road.
It is always awesome to have more knowledge than everyone around you when it comes to eating something popular like sushi.
This means that you will be the talk of the town when you begin sharing everything you have learned with others.
While all of you may love eating sushi, you will now be known as the expert of the group.
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