Tracing the roots of Sushi

Famous among different cultures for its exotic taste, Sushi remains among the most sought-after dish in Asia. Origins of Sushi dates back to 4th century BC. While the said dish is now associated with Japan, its origins is believed to have come from Southeast Asia particularly in the countries of China and the Korean Peninsula. It was only around the 8th Century AD that Sushi was believed to have been introduced to Japan.

Formerly called Nare-Zushi, this preparation entails a process of fermentation. A freshwater fish is properly cleaned and gutted is filled in with uncooked rice. The uncooked rice is believed to help the fermentation process of the fish. This dish is stored for 2-3 months. After the fermentation is complete, the rice will be discarded and only the fish is kept.

After Sushi was introduced in Japan, the dish took several variations in its preparation. During the Muromachi period, a variation of the sushi called Seisei Sushi became popular. This type of sushi contains rice and fish and is eaten with the fish slightly raw. Another variation is the Nama Nare which is a slight modification from the earlier Nare-Zushi. It is consumed before the dish becomes completely fermented with the fermented rice being eaten as well. The appreciation for vinegar created a different approach to preparing the Nare-Zushi. Instead of undergoing the long process of fermentation, Fresh vinegar was often used as a substitute to recreate the sour taste of the originally fermented Nare-Zushi. This form of

Nare- Zushi is served with cooked rice. During the rise of Sumo Wrestlers in 1781, a hand made sushi called Nigiri Sushi was created. Believed to be Japanese who thought of making a hand made sushi, Yohei Hanaya devised a faster way of making and selling sushi in a cart to cater to the crowds brought by the sumo wrestling matches. In spite of the speed of producing the said sushi, Nigiri Sushi was sold at a very expensive price which sullied the reputation of Yohei Hanaya considering that a prohibition for selling luxury items was implemented during that period.

From 1827 to 1829, the prospect of combining raw fish meat and sushi actually materialized. This sushi is now known as the Edo Style Sushi and is marketed as a form of fast food in the old days of Edo.

Another popular type of sushi is the California Roll which became popular during the 70’s. Japanese entrepreneurs at the time thought of expanding their business in California. Challenged by the difficulty of introducing a foreign delicacy to the Americans, the said Japanese entrepreneurs experimented on different ingredients of the sushi. This resulted to a merging of cultural tastes in the form of the California Roll.

Sushi became increasing popular in the 80’s. Japanese chefs were hired and transferred to different continents. Sushi bars were established and has increasingly expanded in the United States and across the globe with a variety of Sushi chefs from different cultures preparing the sumptuous treat.