Today, various versions of this dish are available in every corner of the world
Sushi, in the form we are accustomed to, was indeed invented in Japan back in the 8th century AD. But we owe the appearance of the word "sushi" to Chinese sailors who plied the ocean waters as early as the 4th century BC. Moreover, initially this name referred not to the dish, but to a method of storing fresh fish. Sailors would pack fish in rice – this way the seafood remained edible for a long time and did not spoil. The rice was used only for storage; it was not eaten.
Europeans and Americans made a significant contribution to the methods of preparation, types, and traditions of eating sushi. For example, which sushi lover hasn't heard of Philadelphia or California rolls? They were invented in America, so you are unlikely to find them on the menu of Japanese restaurants.
Interestingly, in the 20th century, Americans experienced a boom in the number of sushi deliveries to homes, which far exceeded the number of orders for their beloved pizza. In Ukraine, sushi is no less popular, and you don't need to go to restaurants in the capital or other big cities to get it. For example, sushi delivery in Brovary is available daily until late at night. So you can enjoy fresh and tasty sushi without leaving home.
By the way, it is recommended to eat rolls fresh, immediately after delivery. Do not keep them in the refrigerator – they will lose their flavor. And Japanese masters claim that the ideal roll corresponds to the temperature of the human body, specifically that of a man. Why? Because women's natural temperature is slightly higher than men's. The Japanese are confident that this fact directly affects the final result. Therefore, in Japan, sushi chefs are exclusively men.
In many countries, rolls made from smoked, salted, or marinated fish are popular. Warm rolls and tempura rolls undergo heat treatment. Yes, traditional sushi with raw fish is also served here. But the freshest dish from fish that was still swimming in the sea in the morning will only be served in Japan. By the way, the Japanese themselves prefer restaurants located as close to the sea as possible. Can you guess why?
In Japan, sushi is eaten not only with chopsticks but also with hands. And while in Europe the use of ordinary cutlery is acceptable, in a Japanese restaurant it would be regarded as disrespect for traditions. Among all types of rolls, the Japanese will prefer those where the filling is wrapped in a sheet of nori. Europeans, on the other hand, are more fond of rolls with seaweed inside rather than outside.
Tuna is often used to make sushi. About 80% of the catch of this expensive, delicacy fish goes into making rolls. But few people know that before sushi skyrocketed in popularity, tuna was considered a poor man's fish. Rolls are also made from the poisonous fugu fish, but only a chef with the appropriate license is allowed to prepare them.
According to ancient Japanese traditions, a chef making rolls must study for at least 10 years. But now this period has been halved. At the same time, two years of study are spent on preparing rice, and another three years are required for the fish cutting to be perfect.
Unfortunately, you can no longer pay taxes with rolls, as was customary in Japan after the dish gained culinary popularity. But you can enjoy them in any corner of the world. Enjoy a tasty, healthy, and nutritious dish, because experts say that sushi is no worse than chocolate at lifting your mood and overcoming depression. Bon appétit!