
7 Things You Surely Didn’t Know About Sushi
One of the most identifiable flavors of Japanese cuisine is certainly sushi. The most popular Japanese dish can now be enjoyed in every corner of the world. The main ingredients include rice combined with fillings, such as salmon, raw meat, or vegetarian foods like avocados and cucumbers. However, there are some very interesting details about this dish that may not be so well known.
1. It comes from China, not Japan.
Sushi originates from China, where people developed a method of preserving food by which they would store marinated fish in rice. After a while, they started consuming rice with the fish. Sushi appeared in Japan in the 8th century and has been one of the main pillars of Japanese cuisine ever since.
2. In the beginning, it was fast food.
In the beginning, this vital part of Japanese cuisine was what we now call “fast food” because it could be eaten on the go in the streets. That’s why it was extremely popular from the beginning. It was only at the end of the 20th century that it was transformed into a work of art that you can now find in restaurants around the world.
3. Health benefits
Sushi is full of nutritional values and is therefore extremely healthy. It is packed with nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids and heart-beneficial fats, has a high protein content and a low fat content, and nori, which is found in many sushi, is rich in vitamins A, B-6, and C, as well as iodine.
4. Wasabi
Commonly known as Japanese horseradish, wasabi not only enhances the taste of sushi but also plays an antiseptic role in preserving raw goods. Since today’s sushi is prepared in better sanitary conditions, wasabi is eaten with sushi by habit and with gusto.
5. Sushi is named after rice, not fish.
Although we usually associate sushi with raw fish, it is an interesting fact that sushi is actually named after rice. The word “sushi” means “sour” and “sashimi” means a piece of raw food.
6. Popularity due to earthquakes.
Due to the great earthquake that hit the Tokyo and Yokohama metropolitan areas in 1923, many Japanese were displaced, including a large number of sushi masters. As a result of the earthquake, real estate prices dropped, and sushi masters started opening restaurants, which led to the high popularity of sushi throughout Japan.
7. The original sushi is actually much bigger.
Today, we can eat nigiri and uramaki rolls in one bite, but the original sushi was three times bigger than it is today. Sushi masters used to display nigiris in bamboo boxes, which is why they tried to make them as colorful and large as possible to attract customers. Each box was an exhibition of their skill.
Delicious sushi rolls have long been popular around the world, and you can also enjoy eating them in the heart of Diocletian’s Palace. Check out our menu and book your table, because once you come, you’ll be eager to return!