There are several types of sushi, each one with a different flavor and with a peculiar way of elaboration; In this article I will describe the most common ones. Sushi has a long tradition in Japan and its use has spread throughout history. Despite this, it was not until well into the 21st century that its cuisine has settled definitively in Western culture..
The word sushi refers to a Japanese word that translates as "bitter rice" or "sour rice", which in turn comes from the term narezushi, and which was used to avoid the fermentation process of rice.
Therefore, we speak of sushi to refer to cooked rice. His own word dismisses the importance of raw fish, although many people think that it is a fundamental piece in this type of elaboration..
The proper way to eat this preparation begins with the fish with a lighter and smoother flavor and gradually increases to the strongest. If we talk about colors, the most subtle are white, the intermediate ones are pink and the strong ones are red..
In addition, it is common to accompany sushi with soy sauce or even wasabi, a kind of green and spicy pasta. Normally it is already introduced inside the piece, although a little more can be added according to the taste of each one.
To fully understand sushi and everything that surrounds it, you need to know several terms:
Each of the different types of sushi is named with the suffix zushi (Ex: Makizuhi, Nigirizhusi). Despite this, what you will see are names to which this suffix has been deleted due to popular tradition.
In addition, there are many more types of sushis. In this list I wanted to show you the 9 most important ones that are usually found in restaurants. These are the most commercialized and common.
The nigiri is the famous mound of rice with a piece of raw fish in its upper area to which several chefs add wasabi between both parts. Its name literally means "hand-pressed sushi".
The proper intake of nigiri is done in one bite. Not doing it this way is well seen. If you can't of one, try to make it even in two bites.
Some of the most common ingredients for nigiri are octopus, freshwater eel, sea eel, squid, or even sweet egg..
One of the most famous along with nigiri. Its name refers to any type of sushi that is made in the form of a roll. Normally its preparation is done on a makisu, the rice being wrapped in a seaweed or nori and introducing inside fish or vegetables such as tuna, cucumber, carrot or avocado.
At other times, the maki can be prepared in soy paper, cucumber or even egg.
The result is a large roll that will later be cut into 6 or even 8 pieces depending on the size..
Also, you may have also heard him call norimaki, another of his well-known names..
They are a maki roll but in smaller portions. Its interior must crunch, so its ingredients must be vegetable.
They are usually around 2.5 centimeters in diameter.
The opposite of hosomaki. They are the largest maki preparations that can be found. Its cut is thinner due to its large size - 2 inches in diameter -.
Inside it, double the filling of what is usually introduced in a common maki is introduced.
Translated as "roll of luck direction", this type of maki is filled with a total of seven ingredients, among which are mushrooms, egg and eel..
It is said that along with its number of ingredients, it also brings luck when eating it, since the number seven is a symbolic number.
Another variety of maki. Its meaning, "warship", refers to its shape.
It is surrounded by a nori seaweed with a rice base. Now, in its upper part, different fish roe are placed.
Surprisingly it is a roll formed upside down: rice on the outside and the nori seaweed on the inside.
Variety of maki, with crab and avocado - sometimes even mayonnaise - which was invented in the United States and Brazil.
Among its characteristics, the absence of avocado stands out. You will rarely find avocado in a california roll in Japan.
Being less common in European countries, temaki is a curious kind of cone about four fingers long. It is surrounded by nori seaweed and filled with rice along with some kind of raw fish.
Sometimes wasabi mixed with soy sauce is served when ordering sashimi.
Although according to the definition of sushi it is not sushi, it is considered as such in many places. They are strips of raw fish cut into slices.
They can be eaten alone with various types of accompaniments such as wasabi or even ponzu sauce (a sauce made from citrus soybeans, lemon, vinegar, sahi and mirin). These should be eaten with chopsticks or hashi.
Some of the most common types of sashimi are salmon, squid, tuna, octopus, whale meat, sea urchin, puffer fish, or scallop.
Under the translation of "dispersed sushi", its use is less widespread in Japan. Even so, we speak of chirashi to refer to a rice dish with a variety of sashimi and multiple vinegar or vegetable dressings..
It is usually served in a wooden bowl and with a total of 9 ingredients, although this may vary according to taste. It is quite popular in homes since it is one of the easiest sushi to make. Just having a good amount of leftovers is enough.
The name of this type of sushi refers to a Buddhist goddess called Inari, who represents agriculture, rice and fertility.
These are "bags" of fried tofu stuffed with pickled rice. Its creation is done by cutting thin slices of said compound and then frying them.
Vegetables can be placed in the upper part.
With rectangular and square shape, it is made with a wooden box with the same shape.
Its lower part is made up of rice, while different vegetables and fish are placed in the upper part, showing a certain resemblance to the nigiris..
The fish is gutted and washed at first to preserve it for a total of six months in salt. The result is a dirty, cheese-like smell. This sushi stands out for its great value as well as being one of the greatest edible delicacies.
It is served cut into strips in the shape of shasimi. It can also be wrapped with a seaweed.
Type of sushi very similar to nigiri. The difference lies in its size and shape, being much smaller and rounder..
This preparation is known for being traditionally consumed on March 3, the day of the girl in Japan..
Nice way to present shusi. It is a rice ball wrapped in a layer of egg crepe and closed by a seaweed.
The way of making this type of sushi is summarized by cooking the rice on the one hand and the creation of the crepe on the other..
The crepe is made by beating an egg and pouring it over a frying pan over medium-low heat..
Anago is the word used by the Japanese to name the sea eel. It is usually served as simmered sushi. The term unagi is used to describe the freshwater eagle.
This type of sushi is characterized by being wrapped in Japanese persimmon leaves. Its origin dates back to the Edo period.
Persimmon leaves have bactericidal properties, which helps preserve fish better, also enhances the flavor of sushi. Fish such as salmon, mackerel or eel are used for its preparation..
It is a type of sushi that is characterized by being rolled in a bamboo, banana or cane leaf, and by being tied with igusa.
Its ingredients are varied and it is steamed. In Japan it is common to do them on May 5 to celebrate Children's Day.
Also known as kazari makizushi, in Spanish decorative sushi. They are basically makizushi rolls, but the ingredients are chosen to create designs such as flowers, animals or shapes..
In Japanese "ama" means sweet and "ebi" means shrimp. This word describes a sushi where raw shrimp or prawns are served with a sweet flavor..
- Every June 18 the International Sushi Day is celebrated. Chris Demay, a passionate about this food, proposed that from 2009 a day dedicated to this food be set, and so it was.
- Traditionally only men could make sushi. The "excuse" referred to the fact that the women had a higher body temperature that altered the flavor of the rice when they prepared it.
-If you want to learn how to make sushi, there are dozens of schools in Tokyo. According to some of these organizations, to be a top chef of this dish requires years of training.
- One of the most widely used makis in Europe are salmon. Curiously, these are practically impossible to find in the Japanese country. The reason? The Norwegians introduced salmon back in the 80's to the old continent.
- If you leave the plate empty, the cook will think that he has not made enough food to fill you up. Therefore, it is normal to leave a little on the plate as a sign of fullness..
- In its original form, sushi is eaten with the fingers. Chopsticks are used for sashimi - finely cut raw fish pieces -.
- If one day you travel to Japan you will discover that before starting to eat the word "itadakimasu" is used, with which you wish a good profit. Then, you should wash your hands with a damp towel.
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