Today is June 18 International Sushi Day #SushiDay. Even though my family enjoys going out to dinner and today being Sushi Day would give us a opportunity to go out for dinner. Only there is one problem with this neither Charlie, David or I eat Sushi and none of us plan on trying Sushi. What about you. Do you like Sushi? Do you make it at home or go out for Sushi and why?
International Sushi Day on June 18th is the perfect excuse to try this Japanese specialty. Did you know Sushi has become a global phenomenon over the past 30 years or so after struggling to find a foothold in the West in the beginning? For most people including my family raw Fish didn’t initially sound appetizing to all cultures but we eventually realized that we were wrong and now we can’t get enough of Sushi.. It’s time to sharpen up your chopstick technique and treat yourself for International Sushi Day.
To find the creation of Sushi we must look at a dish called Narezushi. Narezushi is salted Fish stored in fermented Rice for months at a time. Southeast Asia and Japan both had their own version of the dish, when the Rice was discarded and the Fish was eaten. This was the first iteration of Sushi and was seen by the Japanese as an important source of protein.
In the Edo Period, between 1600 and 1800 in Japan, Sushi as we know it was established. Fish and Vegetables were wrapped in Rice and mixed with Vinegar. Much like with Narezushi, each region had its own variations to this dish, but this is close to the version most people in today’s world are familiar with. In the early 1800s, the style of Nigirizushi began to emerge. This recipe consisted of a mound of Rice with a slice of Fish draped over it.
The Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923 disrupted the Japanese economy and the Earthquake displaced many people from Edo Japan. Japanese people were forced to restart their lives in new places and this consequently took Sushi all over the world.
In the U.S, Sushi was emerging from communities in Little Tokyo by the mid-twentieth century. Sushi became popular among Hollywood celebrities which led to Sushi gaining the public’s attention. What was once foreign to Americans became Americanized with the California roll that used Crab and Avocado instead of raw Fish. In 2009, International Sushi Day was proclaimed for June 18th and the idea came from Facebook and International Sushi Day took on a life of its own.
HOW TO CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL SUSHI DAY
- If you have the opportunity today bring your friends or family, and visit your local Sushi restaurant, and feast. While in the restaurant listen to the Chef’s suggestions and try something new.
- Tae the time today to watch a Youtube video and try creating Sushi yourself. You will need the following supplies a Rice cooker, a Rice paddle, a bowl of Water, a bamboo mat, a sharp knife, and the ingredients for the type of Sushi you’re preparing. If my family were going to make Sushi we would have to research what the supplies are and then go shopping. Would you like to go with us although it might be cheaper to purchase Sushi or visit a local restaurant. What do you think?
- It takes concentration and commitment to prepare homemade Sushi but the finished product is well worth it.
- Watch a Sushi documentary like “Jiro Dreams of Sushi” which is available on Netflix. This documentary tells the story of the world’s greatest Sushi Chef, 85-year-old Jiro Ono, and the video has received high praise from critics and viewers alike.
FACTS ABOUT INTERNATIONAL SUSHI DAY
- Did you know Horseradish is often used instead of the root of the Wasabia Japonica Plant.
- Norezushi originated in Southeast Asia near the Mekong River before reaching Japan.
- Sushi was once more of a quick snack rather than a pricy cuisine.
- Sashimi prepared with Pufferfish can have lethal amounts of poison if it’s not prepared correctly.
- In Japanese culture, it’s improper to waste the Soy Sauce.
WHY PEOPLE LOVE INTERNATIONAL SUSHI DAY
- If you are looking to have your mind blown then the possibilities are endless as you create your own combination of Sushi using Seafood, Vegetables, Seasonings and Sauces and have your Sushi your own way.
- It’s difficult to get much healthier than raw Fish and Veg. The Rice maybe isn’t the healthiest food in the world, but the carbs in Rice will give your body the energy it needs. If you’re looking to lose weight and stay in great shape then Sushi is the way to go. Looks like I may need to try Sushi to help me lose the weight I not only need to lose but have to lose for my health.
- You’ll never get bored as there are a variety of things you can choose with Sushi. Even if you don’t love everything on the menu you will find something that tastes great. For extra flavor and Spice, use Soy Sauce and Wasabi to dip your Sushi in.
Recipe for Sushi
Prep Time: 40 mins Cook Time: 25 mins Total Time: 1 hour 5 mins Servings: 8 Yield: 4 cut rolls
Ingredients
- 1 ⅓ cups water
- ⅔ cup uncooked short-grain white rice
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 3 tablespoons white sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 4 sheets nori seaweed sheets
- ½ pound imitation crabmeat, flaked
- 1 avocado – peeled, pitted, and sliced
- ½ cucumber, peeled, cut into small strips
- 2 tablespoons pickled ginger
Directions
- Gather all ingredients. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).
- Bring water to a boil in a medium pot; stir in rice. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until rice is tender and water has been absorbed, 20 to 25 minutes.
- Mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small bowl. Gently stir into cooked rice in the pot and set aside.
- Lay nori sheets on a baking sheet.
- Heat nori in the preheated oven until warm, 1 to 2 minutes.
- Center 1 nori sheet on a bamboo sushi mat. Use wet hands to spread a thin layer of rice on top. Arrange 1/4 of the crabmeat, avocado, cucumber, and pickled ginger over rice in a line down the center.
- Lift one end of the mat and roll it tightly over filling to make a complete roll. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
- Use a wet, sharp knife to cut each roll into 4 to 6 slices.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
