SUSHI & SASHIMI

Japan

You may assume that in Japan, being a land surrounded by the sea, plenty of fish is eaten. Indeed, the Japanese eat lots of fish in many variations: baked, cooked, grilled, fried and last but not least raw. In addition, the Japanese island is very mountainous. The little land that can be used in an agricultural way serves the cultivation of rice. These two facts make it logic that the combination of rice and raw fish is a very loved meal in Japan - Sushi. Among other things, the Japanese eat raw fish completely without any side dishes. This is called Sashimi.

SUSHI

Sushi are covered or filled bite-size portions of rice that is spiced with vinegar before. Mostly the tidbits are covered or filled with raw fish, but there are variations of Sushi with vegetables, eggs and many other things. In past times, the raw fish was made edible by using vinegared rice. This is the basis for the way of preparation today. Sushi exists in many shapes. The two best known and most popular shapes are Nigiri-zushi and Maki-zushi. Nigiri-zushi are formed out of rice by hand and covered with the fish. For making Maki-zushi, you spread out rice on a bamboo mat, cover it with the fish and roll it. Sushi usually serves as a full meal.

SASHIMI

Sashimi is raw fish carved in thin slices. It is prepared elaborately and is eaten without any side dishes. Sashimi normally is a starter.