The importance of sushi in Japanese culture and cuisine

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Sushi is more than just food, it is also a cultural symbol among Japanese society and culture.

Originally a centuries-old fish preserving method using fermented rice, sushi has gradually evolved into globally respected symbol of Japanese culture and cuisine. It is renowned for its elegance and simplicity.

According to Merriam-Webster, sushi is defined as "cold rice dressed with vinegar, formed into any of various shapes, and garnished especially with bits of raw seafood and vegetables."

Let's explore the importance of sushi in Japanese culture, and how it has influenced global culinary trends.

Sushi's humble beginnings can be traced back to at least the eighth century. During this time, Japan sought innovation by studying the food, art and technology in Southeast Asia, particularly focusing on Korea and China.

The earliest concept of the sushi we know today was known as "narezushi," which was adapted by the Japanese but had been a practice throughout many Asian regions for a long time. It involved combining fermented fish with pickled rice, which empowered its flavor and extended its shelf life. This method was essential because no refrigeration method existed at the time.

During the Edo period (1603-1868), a new form of sushi emerged, which was known as edomae-sushi. This sushi consisted of vinegared rice and fresh fish, which was quickly prepared to be eaten immediately. Consequently, this signaled the start of the modern sushi we currently recognize.

Over time, the fermentation period shortened, thanks to innovations, such as vinegar, alcohol and Koji, a type of fungus.

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Sushi holds a cultural significance in Japan, especially in traditional celebrations. These include weddings, New Year (or Shogatsu) celebrations, birthdays, anniversaries, seasonal celebrations (cherry blossom viewings, for example) and festivals (Tanabata, or star festival, for example).

Japan has a wide variety of regional differences, and sushi comes in various styles as well. These are the most well-known:

• Nigiri is among the most iconic sushi styles. It consists of a molded mound of specially-prepared rice with the "neta," or sushi topping, draped over it.

• Maki is another iconic sushi style. Here, sushi toppings are placed on a bed of rice and are rolled up tightly with a bamboo mat, creating the distinctive shape.

• Temaki, also known as a hand roll, consists of the ingredients placed on nori paper and rolled by hand into a cone, with one end closed and the ingredients spilled out in the other.

• While sashimi is not sushi, it is often associated with sushi and served at Japanese restaurants. Simply put, it is a platter that features fresh fish without the rice.

The California roll, while relatively unknown in Japan, is widely popular abroad, especially the United States. The rice is on the outside, while the nori paper is on the inside, making it a reversed maki roll.

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Like any other dish, sushi requires a certain level of care and preparation to achieve a desired outcome. Chefs undergo rigorous training to master essential sushi making techniques, from perfectly seasoning and shaping sushi rice to slicing fish at perfect angles.

Skill, concentration and passion are key to making authentic sushi from scratch. Plus, it takes dedication, practice and discipline.

Contrary to popular belief, the rice is the crucial element of sushi, not the fish. The standard is a high-quality short grain rice that is used specifically to make authentic sushi. First, the rice is washed very carefully to eliminate excess starch so that it is not too gummy or sticky in texture. Equal parts of water and rice are thrown into a pot and steamed until perfectly cooked. Then, sushi vinegar (rice vinegar and sugar) is added. The final result is sushi rice, which has a subtly sweet and sour flavor that pairs perfectly with fish.

Sushi consists of four ingredients: the sushi rice, "nori" paper or seaweed, vegetables and fresh fish (often raw).

Typically, sushi is served with "wasabi," or Japanese horseradish, soy sauce and "gari," or pickled ginger. All of these items have a complementary role that make eating sushi a delicious experience. In other words, combining these ingredients create a sense of balance between flavors and textures.

Some drinks that pair excellently with sushi include a simple hot green tea, white or sparkling wine and champagne. Sake is another excellent pairing with your sushi.

Etiquette plays an important part in sushi eating. It is considered polite to eat the sushi in one bite and avoid drenching it in soy sauce. However, make sure to lightly dip sushi fish-side down. Furthermore, proper chopstick usage includes not rubbing them together and avoid passing food directly from one set of chopsticks to another.

Sushi itself symbolizes globalization in the culinary world. It demonstrates how one food in a particular culture can be reinterpreted and embraced by people from another culture while maintaining its main identity. For example, the sushi pizza and sushi burrito are two foods that are blended with other popular food formats. Because of the global popularity of sushi, it has also contributed to a greater cultural exchange.

All in all, sushi is a deep reflection of Japan's creativity and exceptional care for food.

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