8 surprising facts about sushi - Japan's national dish

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Sushi is now considered a symbol of Japanese cuisine, but its origins are not from Japan.

1. Sushi did not originate in Japan

2. Sushi originally started as a street food

3. Wasabi is incredibly expensive

4. Rice in sushi was once discarded

5. The term 'sushi' refers to rice

6. Seaweed isn't the only sushi wrapper

7. The significance of the plastic piece in takeaway sushi boxes goes beyond what you might think

8. Women are forbidden from being sushi chefs

Sushi is now considered a symbol of Japanese cuisine, but its origins are not from Japan.

When Japanese cuisine is mentioned, everyone immediately thinks of the representative dish, sushi. Sushi has now become a globally beloved dish. However, not everyone who has eaten or even loves sushi knows its origins and interesting facts about it:

1. Sushi did not originate in Japan

Although it is the 'national dish' of Japan, many believe that sushi's original origins are not from there, but from Southeast Asia.

It is believed that 'narezushi' (fermented fish wrapped in sour rice) first appeared somewhere along the Mekong River before reaching China and eventually Japan. Of course, the Japanese people popularized and turned sushi into a cultural phenomenon. The sushi we are familiar with today originated from a chef named Hanaya Yohei in Japan towards the end of the Edo period around the mid-1800s.

2. Sushi originally started as a street food

Today, sushi is considered a 'fancy' dish sold at upscale restaurants. However, when it first appeared in Japan, it was just an inexpensive street food commonly sold at roadside stalls.

'Sushi's status' changed after a... earthquake. The earthquake in 1923 in Japan made sushi popular. The reason is that sushi vendors could now buy restaurants and serve sushi because real estate prices plummeted to record lows. The opening of many sushi restaurants helped the dish reach a much larger audience than serving on the sidelines of the street.

3. Wasabi is incredibly expensive

Wasabi is an essential condiment for sushi. But most of the wasabi served in restaurants is not the real deal. In fact, they are mainly colored horseradish and mustard powder to resemble the real thing.

Real wasabi plants are extremely expensive. Many restaurants selling authentic wasabi even charge extra if customers order this condiment.

4. Rice in sushi was once discarded

When sushi was invented, its characteristic was rice wrapped together with fish. However, initially, this rice portion was not meant to be eaten; its purpose was to impart a unique flavor, preserve the fish piece, and protect it from insects. When eating, people would discard the rice portion. Later on, due to seeing this eating method as too wasteful, people started eating the rice part as well.

5. The term 'sushi' refers to rice

Many find it somewhat confusing when served sushi without fish or toppings on the rice. In reality, even if it's just a piece of vinegared rice, it's still called sushi because the term sushi truly refers to the rice itself.

6. Seaweed isn't the only sushi wrapper

While seaweed is the most common ingredient used as a wrapper for sushi, there are other things that can be used, such as egg, thinly sliced cucumber, avocado, or even soybean. If you're not a fan of seaweed, you can try these alternative options.

7. The significance of the plastic piece in takeaway sushi boxes goes beyond what you might think

We often see green plastic pieces resembling grass in takeaway sushi boxes. They are not just for decoration or separating the sushi pieces.

Placing leaves between food items like fish and rice is a centuries-old tradition in Japanese cuisine. This is called 'haran,' and it's used to preserve the natural flavors of the ingredients and prevent them from mixing odors.

Today, Japanese chefs use bamboo leaves. These leaves not only prevent the spread of odors but also slow down the growth of bacteria, helping the fish stay fresh longer. In other countries, plastic pieces are used instead.

8. Women are forbidden from being sushi chefs

To achieve the title of sushi master, chefs may take up to 10 years. But if you're a woman, you may never be allowed to do so.

Many traditional restaurants in Japan still prohibit women from standing behind the sushi counter, not because of a belief in male superiority from feudal times. Firstly, it's believed that women's hair and makeup will alter the taste and smell of sushi. Secondly, women have 'red days.' To become a sushi master, you need a stable and consistent palate. While women may experience higher body temperatures and palate imbalances on certain days.

Of course, in this modern era, some high-end restaurants in Japan have begun to train women to become sushi masters.

Source: Insider, Heyexplorer

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the historical origins of sushi outside Japan?

Sushi did not originate in Japan; its roots trace back to Southeast Asia. The earliest form, called 'narezushi,' was fermented fish wrapped in sour rice, appearing along the Mekong River before spreading to China and eventually Japan. Although sushi is now a symbol of Japanese cuisine, its evolution was significantly influenced by Japanese culture.

How did sushi transition from street food to upscale dining?

Sushi began as an inexpensive street food in Japan but gained popularity after the 1923 earthquake. This disaster lowered real estate prices, allowing sushi vendors to establish restaurants, thereby transforming sushi into a more recognized dish. This shift enabled sushi to reach a broader audience and elevated its status to that of a fancy dining option.

What is the reason real wasabi is so expensive?

Real wasabi is expensive because it is difficult to grow and requires specific conditions. Most restaurants serve a substitute made from colored horseradish and mustard powder, which is much cheaper. Authentic wasabi can command high prices, and some restaurants charge extra for it, reflecting its value and rarity in the culinary world.

What did people initially do with the rice in traditional sushi?

Originally, the rice in sushi was not meant to be eaten; it served to flavor and preserve the fish while keeping it safe from insects. People would discard the rice after enjoying the fish. However, due to its wastefulness, the practice evolved, and the rice is now considered an essential component of sushi.

What does the term 'sushi' actually refer to in Japanese cuisine?

The term 'sushi' actually refers specifically to the vinegared rice used in the dish, not necessarily the fish or toppings. Thus, a piece of vinegared rice served alone can still be considered sushi, highlighting the importance of rice in this traditional Japanese cuisine.

Why are women traditionally excluded from becoming sushi chefs?

Women are often excluded from sushi chef roles due to traditional beliefs regarding their hair and makeup affecting the taste and smell of sushi. Additionally, the need for a stable palate, which may be disrupted during certain times of the month, further complicates women's training for this role. However, some modern restaurants are beginning to change this practice.

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