Japanese
Sushi and
it's History
Find Sushi
Recipes, Sushi Rice, Sushi Cooking Supplies, Sushi Gift Items
and
much more!
Japanese Sushi
has a history going back to prehistoric times. Over the centuries
it has been refined into a surprising number of variations, from the
simplest everyday fare such as tuna wrapped in vinegared rice and crisp
vitamin-rich Nori seaweed to elegant and imaginative sushi
created for festive occasions.
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.
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, sishi fish, how to prepare
sushi rice, sashimi, sushiushi and create your own sushi bar.
Find Sushi
Recipes, Sushi Rice, Sushi Cooking Supplies, Sushi Gift Items
and
much more!
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