Did you know that the opening of sushi restaurants over the past 20 years has become one of the most profitable business areas in the world? And this is not at all surprising, because sushi is very fond not only in Asia, but also in all other corners of the planet, where people at least once had a chance to try this amazing dish. But if you think about it, what do we really know about such rolls? Then you will read the most interesting facts about sushi that will surprise you.
History of appearance – Today, sushi is one of the most important and no doubt beloved by many dishes in Japanese cuisine. However, it is a mistake to believe that this famous delicacy appeared in Japan. In fact, in its original form, the dish was invented in China. Around the 4th century BC, Chinese sailors cut fish into pieces, sprinkled with rice and left under the sun to preserve the freshness of the fish. It was a kind of canned food that could be stored for many months. About 600 years later, this simple technology got its name – sushi. In its modern, more appetizing form, this dish appeared around the 8th century AD. e. And it happened just thanks to the Japanese.
First references – You must have noticed that Asians themselves say “sushi.” Europeans prefer more sushi more familiar to them. This is how this dish is first indicated in European sources. The first mention dates back to 1893. It is mentioned in an English book called “Japanese Interiors”, which also refers to the great Japanese addiction to sushi.
Payment of taxes – It is worth noting the fact that when the Japanese first got acquainted with sushi, they so highly appreciated this dish that they were even allowed to pay taxes on such food. True, many still preferred to use sushi precisely as food.
The remains of Buddha – It is noteworthy that rice for cooking rolls is usually called sari. Actually, sari literally means “the remains of the Buddha.” This is due to the fact that the pronounced white color of such rice reminds Asians of the remains of a sage.
The benefits of sushi – Due to the fact that a huge amount of seafood is used in the manufacture of rolls, this dish is characterized by high saturation, vitamins and important trace elements. Shrimp, squid and even nori algae are excellent for the work of the heart, brain and blood vessels. And, for example, ginger, which is always served on sushi, is an excellent immunostimulant.
Growing popularity – It is noteworthy that about 32 years ago there was a peak in the popularity of sushi in the United States. The popularity of this dish exceeded the famous Coca-Cola. Moreover, the portions were specially made in two 2 more than usual to satisfy customer demand.
Elite food – It is interesting that the first Japanese cuisine restaurants appeared in Russia around the 80s of the last century. And getting into them was by no means easy. Initially, they were admitted by special invitations. Most often, they were visited only by members of the government and the country’s elite. But this is where the interesting facts about sushi are just beginning.
World Record – By the way, the longest roll in the world was made in Russia, and more precisely in Yekaterinburg in early 2009. Its length was an impressive 2523 meters! Its production took more than 1.5 tons of rice, 14 thousand nori seaweed, half a ton of cucumbers and 24 kg of sesame seeds. As you understand, it was a vegetarian roll. 60 cooks participated in the cooking process, which took 18 hours.
Different types – In reality, rolls and sushi are somewhat different things. The fact is that rolls are a kind of sushi. They traditionally use only rice and fresh seafood. As for the rolls, they often add vegetables, meat, crab sticks and even lard.
Mastery Experience – It is noteworthy that in Japan, only men are traditionally engaged in the profession of sushi cook. This is due to the fact that for all women, by nature, body temperature is slightly higher. Asians are firmly convinced that this fact may adversely affect the final result. By the way, to become such a master, you will need to study for at least 5 years, where you will gradually grasp the high skill of cooking rice and then fish.
Love for tuna – It is curious that more than 80% of all bluefin tuna is spent on preparing the filling for sushi. Moreover, sushi with such fish is considered one of the best, although previously only the poorest segments of the population ate blue tuna.
The art of rolls – Today there are a huge number of different varieties of rolls. For example, sushi cakes, which use elements of sweet filling, have recently gained popularity. And some craftsmen, such as Tokyo-born Takyo Kiyota, create a filling in rice rolls in the form of whole art paintings.
Luminous rolls – It is worth mentioning the real sensation that occurred in American restaurants of Japanese cuisine. It’s about a dish called Glowing Sushi. This is a special kind of rolls that glow in the dark. For this, special GloFish fish are used, which are bred in a special genetic way. They are used to identify the level of water pollution – the higher this level, the brighter this fish glows. They are frozen and mixed with rice, after which the dish glows in the dark with yellow, blue and purple hues.
Sticks to nothing – It is interesting that traditionally it is customary to eat sushi with your fingers. Chopsticks are used to add seasoning to rolls and eat sashimi – chopped raw fish that is served separately. Pieces of rolls themselves are put into the mouth immediately or eaten for 1-2 bites.
Powerful aphrodisiac – Still sushi is widely popular in the world as an aphrodisiac. Most often, two types of fish are added to the dish – these are salmon and mackerel, which are especially rich in omega-3s, which favorably affects the production of sex hormones. In addition, tuna is a rich source of selenium, which increases the number and also the activity of sperm. You must admit that all these interesting facts about sushi are very diverse.
