Sushi - facts about this interesting food. Interesting information about sushi and rolls for true connoisseurs of Japanese cuisine Roll sets facts

27.11.2021 Diets

Over the past 20 years, sushi has become such a popular food in the world that people living far outside Asia call it their favorite dish. Here are some interesting facts about sushi, many of which are unfamiliar even to true fans of Japanese cuisine.

First mention

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the earliest mention of sushi in English can be found in 1893 in a book called Japanese Interior. However, there are occasional references to sushi in other English-language sources dating back to 1873.

Homeland of sushi

Contrary to popular belief, sushi did not appear in Japan, but in the rice-growing region of Southeast Asia more than two thousand years ago in the Mekong River valley. The recipe then spread to other areas, eventually appearing in Japan around the eighth century.

Sushi and taxes

When sushi first appeared in Japanese society, it was highly prized. People were even allowed to pay taxes with them.

Recipe history

The word "sushi" means "it is sour". This reflects the origins of the recipe for this dish (sushi was made from salted fish soaked in vinegar).

"Authentic" sushi

The "authentic" sushi that is usually associated with the traditional Japanese version of this dish is called edomae sushi. This is a relatively recent recipe that was originally limited to the Tokyo area.

Fast food sushi

The modern style of sushi was created by Hanai Yohei in 1820 and was sold at fast food stalls. They were considered fast food because they could be eaten with both fingers and chopsticks.

Sumeshi

Sushi rice is called sumeshi (rice-flavored vinegar) or shari. Shari literally means "the remains of the Buddha" because the very white color of the rice reminded people of the remains of the Buddha.

What to cook sushi from

Sushi can be made with brown or white rice and raw or boiled fish. The raw fish is cut into pieces called sashimi, which means "body pierced."

Sushi - with your fingers

The correct, or to be more precise, traditional way of eating sushi is with your fingers, not chopsticks. However, sashimi is eaten with chopsticks. Sushi should be eaten either immediately or in 2 bites.

Lots, lots of sushi

There are approximately 3,946 sushi restaurants in the United States. There are about forty-five thousand of them in Japan. American sushi bars generate $ 2 billion in annual revenue.

The dangers of land

Sushi as an aphrodisiac

Sushi is generally viewed as an aphrodisiac because the two most commonly found fish species, salmon and mackerel, are known for their high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which aid in the production of stimulating hormones. In addition, tuna is a source of selenium, which helps to increase sperm count.

Sushi is a man's business

Until recently, women were banned from being sushi chefs because it was believed that their hair oil and makeup could change the taste and smell of sushi. Women also have a higher body temperature (especially during menstruation). It was believed that their warm hands would spoil the cold fish.

Sushi chef

California roll

The standard California roll helped make sushi popular all over the world. The California roll or "inside out roll" was the first sushi of American origin.

Noritoshi Kanai

Noritoshi Kanai was a Japanese who ran a food import business in Los Angeles. It was he who opened the first American sushi bar in the early 1960s.

Popularity of sushi

Sushi began to gain popularity in the United States in the 1980s. This was due to the fact that Americans began to take more care of their health.

Primitive sushi

Primitive sushi making is still practiced in some rural areas of Japan. For example, "funa-zushi" is made from local freshwater carp that is marinated with rice and salt throughout the year. The strong smell and characteristic taste can be compared to mature Roquefort cheese.

The most expensive sushi

The most expensive price ever paid for sushi food is $ 1.8 million for 222 kilograms of bluefin tuna in Japan. The Japanese love of sushi has led to a decline in the world's tuna population by more than eighty percent.

Bluefin tuna

As for the bluefin tuna, its population has declined by more than ninety-six percent due to the growing demand for sushi. Most of the bluefin tuna fishery takes place off the coast of Japan, where several fishing restrictions have been imposed.

Sushi by seasons

Traditionally, sushi should clearly reflect the current season. Consequently, many sushi chefs in Japan and America avoid using off-season, captive-raised fish.

Wasabi

Wasabi is traditionally made from Japanese eutreme root. However, in most restaurants, wasabi is a mixture of green horseradish and mustard powder.

"Nori spam"

At the time they were interned during World War II, Japanese Americans were fed potatoes and SPAM canned meat. They did not like the potatoes, but the meat did. Even today, the so-called "nori-spam" - sushi based on canned SPAM meat, are popular.

Fugu sushi

Fugu is a well-known type of sushi made from fugu fish. Puffer is known to be especially difficult to prepare because the fish's organs produce a deadly neurotoxin that is 1200 times more toxic than cyanide. Cooks must obtain a special license to be eligible to cook fugu.

What is the first thing that comes to mind when we talk about Japanese cuisine? Of course, sushi and rolls. The Japanese really love sushi, but for them it is not just a dish, but a work of art. Experienced sous-chefs have been working for years to create sushi that is perfect for everything: color, texture, design and, of course, taste.

We will tell you some interesting facts about the history of sushi and rolls, share the intricacies of cooking and introduce you to several rules of etiquette. There are many prohibitions associated with this dish in Japan. So, if you do not want to seem ignorant, carefully study these simple rules.

We call sushi wrong

From the point of view of Japanese phonology and the rules of Russian-Japanese transcription, it is much more correct to say "sushi". The Japanese do not welcome the word "sushi", although it has taken root in Russia. And all because the dish itself came to us not from Japan, but from the West. The Russians adopted the love for this Japanese treat from the Europeans, and with it the "w" in the name.

Sushi was originally used for preservation

Seems a little strange, don't you agree? However, it is so: boiled rice was used in South Asia for the preparation and preservation of seafood. The fish cut into small pieces was sprinkled with salt, mixed with rice and placed under a stone press. After a few weeks, the press was replaced with a lid, and the fish lay for several months. But then it could be safely eaten for a year.

By the way, the Chinese character for sushi means "pickled fish". Through Thailand and China, the preservation method reached Japan: it was here in the 19th century that one of the chefs decided to abandon marinating fish and serve it raw.

It takes 10 years of practice to become a sushi chef

In Japan, they believe that you need at least 10 years of practice for a great sushi roll. Sous-chef starts working only after compulsory two-year training, during which he learns all the subtleties of the art of sushi. And then it takes another 8 years to reach the pinnacle of skill and gain respect.

By the way, Japanese sushi masters are taught to recognize the freshness of seafood by color, consistency and smell, because in the past they often bought the necessary products in the market on their own. Indigestion or, even worse, client poisoning was considered a terrible shame for the sous-chef.

Sushi knives are sharpened every day

It is believed that the knives used by chefs for sushi are direct descendants of samurai swords. And with the same care with which a samurai must watch the sharpness of the sword, the sous-chef must watch the sharpness of his sushi knife. According to the rules, the blades must be sharpened daily.

Sushi should be eaten right away

Many people believe that sushi and rolls should not be stored at all. If the sushi is made with raw fish, you should eat it within an hour. They can be stored in the refrigerator for a maximum of 3-4 hours, be sure to cover them with cling film, otherwise they will wind up and dry out.

A treat that does not include fresh fish will last a maximum of 24 hours. Freezing ready-made sushi is strictly prohibited.

Sushi does not need to be eaten with chopsticks

If you still think that you need to eat sushi using chopsticks, you are wrong. The traditional and correct way to eat sushi is to take it with your hands. Sticks are commonly used to eat sashimi - raw fish slices.

Don't waste soy sauce

There are many etiquette rules associated with soy sauce in Japan. Here are just a few of them.

Leaving a cloudy puddle of soy sauce with rice floating in it is bad taste after a meal. To enjoy sushi according to the rules, you need to pour a minimum amount of soy sauce into a cup and refill as needed.

Keeping the rolls in the sauce until they fall apart is also against the rules. And in general, by excessive use of soy sauce, you hint that the fish is old. Better not to offend the sous-chef. Do you remember that he sharpens knives every day?

Rolls filled with caviar or already covered with sweet or hot sauce (for example, many types of rolls with eel) should not be dipped in soy sauce at all. It is assumed that they already have enough seasoning.

You can't eat ginger with rolls

Putting a piece of pickled ginger in your mouth at the same time as rolls or sushi is not etiquette. Its strong taste and aroma will not allow you to fully enjoy the treat. Ginger is meant to "clear" the flavor between two pieces of sushi.

Millions of people all over the world are madly in love with sushi. Over the past 20 years, this dish has practically conquered the whole world. There are a lot of proteins in sushi, it is easy to get enough of them, and the risk of gaining weight practically tends to zero. This is the main reason most nutritionists believe that sushi is one of the most ideal and healthy options for dining out. Sushi is also very popular, since there are a huge number of their varieties, and even the most fastidious gourmet will find something of his own. In our review, there are little-known and interesting facts about this wonderful dish.

2. Homeland of sushi

3. Sushi and taxes

When sushi first appeared in Japanese society, it was highly prized. People were even allowed to pay taxes with them.

4. Recipe history

The word "sushi" means "it is sour". This reflects the origins of the recipe for this dish (sushi was made from salted fish soaked in vinegar).

5. "Authentic" sushi

6. Fast food sushi

The modern style of sushi was created by Hanai Yohei in 1820 and was sold at fast food stalls. They were considered fast food because they could be eaten with both fingers and chopsticks.

7. Sumeshi

Sushi rice is called sumeshi (rice-flavored vinegar) or shari. Shari literally means "the remains of the Buddha" because the very white color of the rice reminded people of the remains of the Buddha.

8. What to cook sushi from

Sushi can be made with brown or white rice and raw or boiled fish. The raw fish is cut into pieces called sashimi, which means "body pierced."

9. Sushi - with your fingers

10. Lots, lots of sushi

There are approximately 3,946 sushi restaurants in the United States. There are about forty-five thousand of them in Japan. American sushi bars generate $ 2 billion in annual revenue.

11. Dangers of land

12. Sushi as an aphrodisiac

13. Sushi is a man's business

14. Sushi Chef

15. California roll

The standard California roll helped make sushi popular all over the world. The California roll or "inside out roll" was the first sushi of American origin.

16. Noritoshi Kanai

Noritoshi Kanai was a Japanese who ran a food import business in Los Angeles. It was he who opened the first American sushi bar in the early 1960s.

17. Popularity of sushi

Sushi began to gain popularity in the United States in the 1980s. This was due to the fact that Americans began to take more care of their health.

18. Primitive sushi

19. The most expensive sushi

20. Bluefin tuna

As for the bluefin tuna, its population has declined by more than ninety-six percent due to the growing demand for sushi. Most of the bluefin tuna fishing takes place off the coast of Japan, which has several restrictions on fishing

Traditionally, sushi should clearly reflect the current season. Consequently, many sushi chefs in Japan and America avoid using off-season, captive-raised fish.

22. Wasabi

Wasabi is traditionally made from Japanese eutreme root. However, in most restaurants, wasabi is a mixture of green horseradish and mustard powder.

Gourmets can choose one of the sushi.

Sushi and rolls are dishes from Japan. But the Russians love them with all their hearts and have long considered them their national dish. Many even learned how to make them masterfully. In large cities there are tons of Japanese restaurants where you can taste quite decent sushi. And if there is no time to go to a restaurant, then you can buy sushi and rolls in the nearest supermarket with any filling and sauces. And since the dish has taken root in Russia, it will not hurt to find out some facts about it.

Sushi and a woman are incompatible things

There are no female chefs in Japanese sushi restaurants, which sacredly honor the traditions of preparing this dish. It is believed that a hundred sushi and a woman are incompatible things. It is also believed that only the warmth of a man's body can give a dish a unique taste.

Automatic chef

The Japanese have invented many gadgets that have made life easier for mankind. Recently, a roll maker was launched to meet the ever-increasing needs of the population for this dish. But what is done by a person, especially if he is a professional in his field - a chef in a restaurant or cafe cannot be compared with any machine. So you can order food with delivery in Volgograd on the website zakazaka.ru. Zakazaka.ru - Excellent service for ordering food (rolls, pizza, pies, burgers, etc.) at home.

Longest roll

The Japanese do not like to break traditions, including in the preparation of national dishes. The longest roll, 2.5 km long, could only be made by our compatriots out of love for records. It is noteworthy that the filling in the roll was different in different settlements. The giant was entered in the Book of Records, after which it was solemnly used by onlookers and cooks.

Roll celebrity

Among the many varieties of rolls, the most popular in the world is "California". But no one can explain the reason for such popularity.

The most unusual filling

It is known that the inhabitants of eastern countries do not hesitate to eat insects. The Japanese are no exception. Among the many fillings for rolls, there are also crispy representatives of six-legged and winged, as well as crawling ones. By the way, in Russia such fillings cannot be called popular, to put it mildly.

The most expensive sushi

The most expensive sushi can be ordered in their historical homeland. They are called "dancing perch". It is not accidental, because delicious round things ... move on the plate. No, inside there are no living snails or anything like them. They just doused the pieces of perch with boiling water and immediately served them, which is why they move ..

To which belongs the most widespread dish "sushi" all over the world. It began to spread around the world since the 70s, but has conquered the world only recently. Since sushi and rolls are a rather specific dish that not everyone will like, they reworked it and introduced something new familiar to Europeans a huge number of times.

So, for example, in the 80s, an American restaurateur who had his own sushi bars around the country, noticing that most people did not like nori seaweed, resorted to a trick. He began to wrap the seaweed inside the roll, thereby obtaining a new type of sushi.

One of the most famous European types of rolls are "Philadelphia" and "California". California rolls have the mildest and most delicate taste in comparison with other types of sushi and rolls, this dish does not include nori seaweed, and California rolls have a more tart taste, where nori is inside the roll.

Cooking sushi yourself is not as difficult as it might seem at first glance. Of course, no one guarantees that the first time you get sushi as perfect as the professionals. A perfect meal will take skill and patience. Take advantage of some tips for making sushi and you are guaranteed to get the dish as real as possible. And over time, filling your hand and always remembering good advice, you will stop buying sushi in bars and start arranging your evenings in Japanese style.

Besides the tips, you will be interested in learning some interesting facts about Japanese sushi. They will reveal to you the secrets of the names of Japanese dishes, tell you about the origin of new types of sushi and open the curtain of the correct preparation of sushi.

Live far from the Land of the Rising Sun? Don't be sad, you have a great opportunity to try the most popular Japanese dish, just order sushi delivery in Kharkov. Large selection, free shipping. Delicious and convenient!

Wasabi or Japanese mustard, as many call it, should be kept in the refrigerator for no more than 2 weeks.
If ingredients fall out of the roll during cooking, press down on the ends (edges) with your fingers.

Special variety of rice for sushi

For making sushi, you should use rice varieties with round short grains.
In order for the rolls and sushi to have smooth edges and look beautiful when cutting, they should be cut very much.

Correct position of nori on the mat - shiny side down

When preparing rolls and sushi, place the nori seaweed with the shiny side on the mat, and the dull side on the inside of the roll.
Store dried nori in a dry place.

There is pickled ginger between meals of different types of sushi - this allows you to better feel the taste of the new dish. And so that he does not lose his taste and useful qualities.

For sesame seeds to cook quickly and evenly, they should be fried in a well-heated skillet without oil.

A bamboo mat (a special mat for making sushi and rolls) is an indispensable attribute of both a beginner and a professional sushi master. Many people unknowingly use a plastic bag to shape. However, such rolls and sushi do not hold their shape well and fall apart.
Sushi is a perishable product and is recommended to be eaten within 2-6 hours. After the allotted time, the dish loses its taste.

There are rolls called temaki. They represent a cone of nori leaves in which the filling is put. Translated from Japanese "temaki" means "rolls formed in the hands." They should be served immediately after cooking, as they quickly lose their shape.

When serving any sushi and rolls, it is customary to serve not only wasabi and pickled, but also a salad of daikon (Japanese radish) and fresh cucumber.

Sushi shake with salmon fish

"Syake" is a type of sushi that contains salted, smoked or raw salmon fish. Indeed, in translation from Japanese "syake" means "salmon".
Japanese cuisine, along with sushi and rolls, is very healthy, and Japanese cuisine is also the lowest in calories.

Soy sauce instead of salt

In the preparation of sushi, as in the preparation of other dishes of Japanese cuisine, salt is not used, but is replaced by soy sauce, which is healthier and more interesting in taste.

Japanese transparent fish soup "Suimono"

In the understanding of the Japanese, soups are not the main course, but are used as an addition to meat and fish. For example, Suimono transparent fish soup is eaten with sushi.

Most sushi are men

Most sushi men are men. This is because women have a higher body temperature than men. And the difference in temperature by only 2-4 degrees can affect the taste of sushi.

The process of learning how to cook sushi and rolls

In Japan, sushi men undergo a long training. It takes 2 years to learn how to cook rice and 3 years to learn how to cook fish.

Flying fish roe is actually colorless. Producers dye caviar in different colors using food dyes.

Wasabi is a fake

Many sushi bars serve in the form of wasabi, ordinary horseradish, which is supplemented with spices and colors. This product is not easy to distinguish from wasabi, which is grown in Japan.