Sushi is one of the most famous Japanese dishes around the world. It is prepared in Japan for New Year and several other celebrations. The delicacy was first known as pickled fish preserved in vinegar. Nowadays, Sushi can be made by using rice and sushi vinegar.

There are many different types of Sushis. Here are some of the popular ones-

  • Nigiri
  • Gunkan
  • Norimaki
  • Temaki
  • Oshinko Maki
  • Negihama Maki

The list goes on. Sushi restaurants are quickly spreading worldwide, with many people developing a taste for it.

The Origin of Sushi

Sushi originated in Southeast Asia from a dish named Narezushi, a salted fish wrapped in fermented rice. Traditionally, fish are preserved in rice to prevent spoilage in many parts of China and Japan. Dried fish with rice is enjoyed a lot in Asian meals.

To make this preservation long-lasting, vinegar is added to the preparation, and then eventually, the fermentation process is no longer needed. Gradually, Sushi spread worldwide, and people began appreciating its taste and cultural aspects.

Later, Sushi was made in bamboo molds to give a perfect shape and size. Until the Edo period (1603-1868), Sushi was served in vinegared rice and seaweed. This is said to be modern Sushi.

Sushi in the Current Time

Sushi, which is served today, has a wide range of varieties and evolved flavors. The taste and preparation may be rooted in traditional Japanese cuisine, but restaurants and sushi joints regularly experiment to bring new presentations to the fore.

One can find modernized versions of Sushi outside Japan, but nothing can beat traditional Sushi, especially the Nigiri Sushi.

Wrapped with octopus flesh, salmon, tuna, and other exotic marine animals are used as ingredients. Sushis are generally high-end dishes but worth it. Many people around the world do not develop a taste for it quickly.

It is essential to have the right sauces to create a combining flavor of fulfillment and joy. Sauces like Wasabi, Gari (pickled ginger), and soy sauce are extensively used in Sushis.

There are 4 main types of Sushis, depending on their styles and the ingredients-

  • Nigiri- contains fish that is topped with rice.
  • Sashimi- the fish is served alone without the rice.
  • Maki- Rice filled with seaweed.
  • Uramaki- Rice is on the outer side, whereas seaweed is rolled.

All the sushis are generally taken in one bite, but you can always eat however you want. By cutting the Sushi into two pieces, it is easy to consume. Most of the time, the chef knows the accurate sizes according to the customer’s comfort.

What is the Best Sushi for Beginners?

  • Philadelphia roll- consists of Salmon, Avocado, and cream cheese.
  • King crab roll- King crab and mayonnaise.
  • Boston roll- Shrimp, Avocado, and Tuna.
  • California roll- imitation crab, Avocado, and cucumber.

These are some of the dishes to be tried initially. It is also imperative to check for any allergens in the Sushi.

Things to Take Care of While Having Sushi

  • Make a reservation- An advance notice of your liking and dietary restrictions is required as Sushi is served fresh.
  • Don’t miss the appointment- If you made the reservation, do not cancel it. Even if you fail to arrive, you will still be charged for the meal as the chefs do not like the fish being wasted.
  • Take permission for photos- Many sushi restaurants do not allow clicking photos or videos. It is necessary to ask the owner or the people in the restaurant for the same.
  • Do not mix Sushi with perfume- Eating Sushi with scent can disrupt the intake of flavors and aroma.
  • Finish what you order- Finishing what you eat is Sushi etiquette. Though this decorum applies to all types of dishes, in sushi restaurants, it seems rude to leave any traces or sushi pieces even after giving your preferences.
  • Don’t overstay your welcome- Lingering and chatting around can seem rude. Once you finish the delicacies, you should no longer remain for any talks or loitering.

Precautions to be taken before eating Sushi-

  • Check whether the place maintains proper hygiene.
  • Ensure that the fish is cleaned well; if not, it can lead to salmonella poisoning.
  • Wash hands properly before handling the food.
  • Keep raw foods away from ready-to-eat meals.
  • The surface should be well-cleaned.

Sushi is generally safe to eat, but it withholds a risk of getting infections by norovirus and exposure to toxins. Herring worm disease is a parasitic infection caused when the fish aren’t cleaned well or frozen for a long time. This infection is caused by anisaki worms. It can lead to-

  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting.

If not treated on time, the infection might lead to cysts and cause severe problems like headaches and seizures.

If you want to cherish Sushi without the risk factors, always have a fish frozen at least overnight. The microbes cannot withstand the bitter cold, so it is entirely safe to consume Sushi.

Few fishes to avoid in Sushi-

  • Pike
  • Yellow perch
  • Brook trout.

Tuna is often considered the safest option.

Conclusion

Sushi is a work of art, and sushi chefs are well-trained in making this art happen. It is a complicated dish to make because it withholds factors like safety, taste, and hygiene. 

You should definitely try this unique dish once in a while. Keeping in mind all the hygiene factors, Sushi can be enjoyed to the fullest.

It is considered healthy with omega fatty acids, proteins, and essential vitamins. You can have a plate of Sushi for lunch or as a midday snack, according to your liking. To have Sushi, it is always suggested to visit a reputed place to prevent diseases.

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