Japanese sushi is a type of vinegar rice topped with fish, meats and vegetables. Nowadays, sushi is prepared creatively for a more inviting appearance. It possesses many nutritional benefits.
Sushi comes from an archaic grammatical form of word which means sour. Rice and fish is being combined for a more likable meal. Most restaurants today serve sushi in different ways. Here is some additional information about one of the most popular food not only in Japan but in many countries across the globe.
Sushi Origin
Sushi did not actually originate in Japan. It was introduced into Japan from China during the 17th century. People made sushi from fermented fish. This is since there were no refrigerators back then.
The fish was consumed and the rice is discarded. Sushi is even considered as the marriage of vinegar rice with many other ingredients. Different sushi combinations had actually evolved. Sushi became the most popular food in Japan until now.
The Japanese love sushi, especially if it is served in rolled nori called Makizushi and nigirizushi (toppings laid in clumps of rice). This is also for inarizushi (stuffed with fried tofu) and chirashi zushi (toppings scattered over a sushi rice bowl).
One should learn the basic ingredients in preparing sushi. Ingredients should be properly set in order so as to achieve the perfect art of making sushi.
Ingredients:
Sushi rice This is a type of short grained rice mixed with vinegar, salt, sugar and sometimes sake. Short grain brown and wild rice can also be used and is usually cooled down before placing it into a type of filling.
Nori Nori is an alga, a type of seaweed wrapper. Algae are scraped, rolled out into thin and dried into the sun just like rice paper. High quality Nori must be thick, shiny, smooth, and green, having no holes on it. The Nori standard sheet is about 18 cm by 21 cm.
Omelette (fukusazushi) An omelet is used in forming the pouch for the fillings and rice. It may also replace the nori, for wrapping purposes.
Toppings and fillings may include fish, seafood, vegetables, red meat, tofu and eggs.
Condiments
Shoyu This is referred to as murasaki. It is more commonly known as soy sauce.
Wasabi This is made from the grated root of the wasabi plant. Hon wasabi (real wasabi) may reduce food poisoning because of its anti microbial properties. However, seiyo wasabi (imitation wasabi) is made from mustard powder and horseradish.
Gari This is a sweet pickled ginger which aids in the digestive processes. It actually cleanses the palate.
Ocha This is a type of green tea (ocha) in Japan.
Nutritional information
The main ingredients of sushi which is rice and fish are naturally low in fat but are high in carbohydrates, protein, vitamins and minerals.
Fats: Rich in Omega 3 or unsaturated fat. No fat was introduced in making sushi because it is served raw.
Proteins: High levels of protein are found in tofu, seafood, egg and most specially fish.
Vitamins and Minerals: Gari, nori and many other vegetables are rich in nutrients.
Carbohydrates: Found in vegetables and mainly rice.
Risks in Health
Fish such as tuna and bluefin is found to have high levels of mercury. It can be hazardous to ones health when eaten in large quantities. A weekly dose should acquire 2 to 6 pieces depending on the persons weight as well as the amount of tuna inside the sushi. Raw seafood may result to risks of anisakiasis, causing diarrhea, parasitic infection and poisoning, especially if not prepared properly.
Etiquette
Sushi can be eaten via chopsticks or with your bare hands. This can be served with desired condiments like wasabi, soy sauce and pickled ginger.
Utensils
Fukin: Kitchen cloth.
Ryoribashi: Cooking chopsticks.
Hangiri: Rice barrel.
Hocho: Kitchen knives.
Makisu: Bamboo rolling mat.
Shamoji: Wooden rice paddle.
Oshizushihako: a mold used to make oshizushi.
Makiyakinabe: Rectangular omelet pan.
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