LUCKY SUSHI - The Sushi Itamae
Sushi means Rice (with raw fish) wrapped in seaweed.
An itamae is a sushi cook in Japanese kitchen. The term can be translated as "in front of the board", referring to a cutting board. The term "Itamae" is used as a title for the skilled sushi chef.
When you visit a Japanese Sushi Restaurant, most Itamae Sushi chefs prefer to speak in Japanese. You can impress the Itamae with knowing some common Japanese words.
Arigato - meaning "Thank you".
Dozo - "Please."
Hai - "Yes."
Konichiwa - meaning "hello" or "good day"
Oishii - "Delicious."
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LUCKY SUSHI - JAPANESE SUSHI HISTORY
Sushi began centuries ago in Japan as a method of preserving fish. It is told that the origins of sushi came form countries of Southeastern Asia. Cleaned, raw fish were pressed between layers of salt and weighted with a stone. After a few weeks, the stone was removed and replaced with a light cover, and a few months after that, the fermented fish and rice were considered ready to eat. Some restaurants in Tokyo still serve this original style of sushi, called nare-sushi made with freshwater carp. Its flavor is so strong that it obscures the fish's identity altogether, and nare-sushi is something of an acquired taste.
As time passed and many of the Japanese and Chinese cultures crossed, Sushi became a popular food choice in both countries. Throughout the cities, you would find food stands where various types of Sushi were sold. In fact, during intermission at the various theaters, Sushi was sold as a snack much like the popcorn sold in today's theaters. Since Sushi was easy and quick to make, it became a staple for most households in the 19th Century to accommodate the busy lifestyles of the Japanese people.
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Eventually, a food shortage in Japan changed the way in which Sushi was made. Rather than throw the rice out, it was now eaten along with the fish. Additionally, the fermentation process was shortened so the fish although still safe to eat, was a little on the raw side. Because the fermentation process was shortened, the Sushi had a slightly sour taste, which people loved. As people began experimenting, they discovered that by making the rice with a little vinegar the same sour taste was produced and better yet, the fermentation time was dramatically reduced to one or two days. The popularity of Sushi is greater now than ever. People are much more health conscious and enjoy the fact that Sushi is low fat, loaded with nutrients, and easy and quick to make. For instance, a typical serving of Sushi consists of 8 to 10 pieces, which is around 350 to 400 calories. Because of the fish, Sushi is high in protein and an excellent source for Omega 3 fatty acid. From the seaweed used in Sushi along with the rice, this food is also rich in iodine and complex carbohydrates.
What began as a means of preserving fish has turned into a multi-billion dollar industry with thousands upon thousands of Sushi restaurants dotting the country. If you have never eaten Sushi, you will probably be surprised at how delicious it is. Sushi has a nice, light taste that leaves you satisfied. Go to the Sushi Store to find information on japanese food, sushi recipes, sushi fish, how to prepare sushi rice, sashimi, sushiushi and create your own sushi bar.
Visit the World's Largest Sushi Store. Find Sushi Recipes, Sushi Rice, Sushi Cooking Supplies, Sushi Gift Items and much more!