The History of Sushi: Ten Fast Facts That You Didn’t Know About This Dish
Many people know much about Japanese cuisine, as it has become a popular worldwide catering option. From hibachi catering to yakitori-style meals, Japanese cuisine now holds international appeal.
Sushi is a staple of Japanese cuisine, but it’s also world-famous. Of course, most people know that sushi is raw fish served on rice, but there’s a lot more to it than that! You might be surprised to learn that sushi has been around for centuries!
This article will dive into ten facts about sushi that you likely don’t know. After learning about these facts, you’ll see why sushi is so popular today and why it has become so internationally loved.
Ten Facts You Didn’t Know About Sushi
#1: Sushi Dates to Ancient Japan
Before sushi catering in California was available, sushi was born as a delicacy in ancient Southeastern Asia. Sushi dates back as far as the 2nd century BC in Japan. It was initially made by fermenting fish with rice, which is why it’s called “sushi” and not “nigiri.” This method of preserving food allowed people to store fish for extended periods without refrigeration.
Today, we know that eating raw fish is unsafe unless it’s frozen first or you’re at least very careful about the quality and freshness of your ingredients—but back then, those were not considerations!
#2: Sushi Started as a Way to Preserve Food
Sushi was first invented as a way to preserve fish. Sushi has been around for over 2,000 years, but it was in the 8th century AD that it became popular. It was enjoyed initially by hand and served at funerals in old times. Sushi made using fermented fish was called narezushi, also known as “sour fish”.
#3: Sushi Was Eaten By Hand Originally
In the beginning, sushi was eaten by hand. Although chopsticks were commonplace in Japan in the ninth century, they were used during the Edo period (1603-1868). The original utensils for eating sushi were spoons.
When eating sushi today, if you purchase sushi catering, you can eat it either way you’d like, by hand or with chopsticks! The best part about sushi catering is that how you enjoy it is up to you.
#4: Sushi Was Often Served At Funerals
In ancient Japan, sushi and sashimi were considered the most auspicious dishes to serve at a funeral. This is because they were thought to promote longevity, which people want when they’re mourning their loved ones who have died. It’s also why sushi has become popular in modern times: it symbolizes a long life ahead of you.
#5: Some Sushi is More Delicate Than Others
Sashimi, which is thinly sliced raw fish, is intimidating to eat and difficult to pick up with chopsticks and make ideally. The same goes for nigiri and makimono: they may look simple enough at first glance, but be aware of their simple appearance! The art of making these delicate rice and fish combinations requires years of training—ask your local private sushi chef!
#6: Some Sushi Can Be Lethal
Fugu fish, or blowfish, is a delicacy in Japan and Korea. However, fugu can be poisonous if not prepared properly. For example, a person who died from eating the wrong kind of fugu was poisoned by tetrodotoxin. This neurotoxin can cause paralysis and death within hours if not treated immediately.
The most expensive kind of sushi is made with the liver of this fish. And though it’s delicious and loved by many people worldwide, this food has caused several deaths because it’s so dangerous to prepare! Sushi catering chefs today are equipped to prepare these dishes, including our world-class sushi catering experts at Mr. Fresh Catering.
#7: Sushi Doesn’t Mean What You Think It Does
Did you know that sushi means “it’s sour” in Japanese? In the past, this was because of the way that sushi was made and prepared. Sushi is a food made from cooked rice seasoned with vinegar and other ingredients such as fish or vegetables. It can be served either as a dish or as an ingredient in another container.
#8: There Are Two Main Types of Sushi
There are two main types of sushi: nigiri and makimono. Nigiri, meaning “to grasp” in Japanese, is a piece of raw fish on top of a rice ball. This idea for sushi was born in the 1800s in Japan when street food stalls began selling the item in Toyko-Edo. Makimono, which means “rolled thing” in Japanese, refers to rolls usually wrapped in seaweed, also known as nori.
#9: There is No Right or Wrong Way to Eat It
Contrary to popular belief, there is no right or wrong way to eat sushi. You can use chopsticks, your hands, fingers, or a fork and knife—the choice is yours! The takeaway here is that you don’t have to follow any rules when you consume your seafood. Your only job is to enjoy it!
#10: Soy Sauce and Wasabi Should Be Mixed
You may have heard that soy sauce and wasabi should be served separately. While this is true, it’s also worth noting that the two are meant to mix. Wasabi can be added to the soy sauce just before eating; if you prefer your sushi with a little more kick, add a few drops after eating.
Enjoy This Ancient Delicacy by Hiring Our Sushi Catering Services
Sushi is a fantastic food, as it is healthy, great for entertaining guests, and great to eat with family and friends! As a catering option, sushi catering is unparalleled by other options you might find when contacting caterers in the industry. So, if you’re looking for an impressive, healthy, and simple alternative to excite your corporate or wedding guests, why not book Japanese catering for your next big event?
Mr. Fresh Catering is a top-rated yakitori, hibachi, and sushi catering service in Southern California. We offer an unforgettable experience with our experienced private sushi chefs, high-quality hibachi catering, and more. For more information about booking your next event catering with us, please call us at (323)-250-2460 or submit a contact us form, and we will get back to you soon.
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