5 Fast Facts About Sushi

Sushi is a type of Japanese cuisine that includes vinegared rice combined with other ingredients, typically fish or vegetables. Sushi is typically served in small bite-sized pieces and can be eaten with chopsticks or by hand. Other ingredients are wrapped in seaweed. Though typically eaten as a main course, sushi can also be enjoyed as an appetizer or side dish. Here are five fast facts about this delicious cuisine!

Fact #1: It Is Not Originally Japanese

Sushi is not originally Japanese, but it is a Japanese dish that has become popular around the world. Sushi is made with rice, seafood, and vegetables, and it can be served either raw or cooked.

Sushi originated in Southeast Asia, despite the fact that it is a typical Japanese delicacy. It’s said that narezushi began as a method of fermenting fish by wrapping it in sour rice in various parts of the Mekong River basin. It made its way to China and then to Japan, where it became sushi.

Fact #2: Sushi Was Introduced To The US After World War II

It began being recognized when Japanese soldiers brought it with them after the war but it wasn’t until the 1960s when sushi became popular in the United States, thanks in part to the rise of Japanese-American immigrants. Today, sushi is one of the most popular types of cuisine in the United States, with an estimated 4.8 million Americans eating sushi at least once a month. In the 1970s, sushi began to appear in American restaurants and has been growing in popularity ever since.

Some of the most popular types of sushi include nigiri (raw fish on top of rice), maki (rice and fillings rolled in seaweed), and temaki (hand-rolled sushi).

Fact #3: Authentic Wasabi Is Expensive

Yes, authentic wasabi can be expensive. The root of the wasabi plant is grated to create the paste, and because the plant is difficult to cultivate, the price of the real stuff can be high and it is hard to find.  You may be served fake wasabi without knowing.

The wasabi served in many places is not at all real. Actually, this is horseradish and mustard powder that has been tinted green to seem like the genuine thing. This is usually done due to the plant’s high cost. Many restaurants that provide it demand an additional fee to cover the costs. So don’t have to miss out on this flavorful condiment just because you’re on a budget.

Fact #4: Sushi Rice Is Made With Sugar

The sushi rice that is used in sushi making is a little different than the regular white rice. The sushi variety has added sugar, which gives it a slightly sweet taste. This also helps to bring out the flavors of the fish and other ingredients used in sushi rolls.

Sushi rice is made with sugar because it helps to balance out the flavors of the seafood and gives the sushi a sweeter flavor. Without the sugar, sushi would be quite bland. Additionally, adding sugar to the rice helps to create a sticky texture that is perfect for making sushi rolls.

Does the type of rice used in sushi matter?

Sushi is typically made with white sushi rice, which is a short-grain rice that is sticky and has a slightly sweet flavor. However, you can use any type of rice you like for sushi – just be sure to follow the correct cooking instructions so that it will be sticky enough to form into rolls. You can also experiment with different flavors and ingredient combinations to create your own unique sushi rolls.