10 amazing things you didn’t know about sushi

Sushi is a delicacy that makes you feel as if you’re dining on the beach while enjoying an exotic holiday – without the added travelling expenses, of course!

Since being introduced to the food world, sushi has gone through a fascinating evolution – from exotic high-end import to popular staple.

Sushi is the Japanese preparation and serving of cooked vinegared rice combined with varied ingredients, chiefly seafood, vegetables, meat, and occasionally tropical fruits. Masters in Japan make each bite a ride of colour, texture, taste, and presentation.

Here are 10 surprising facts about sushi that you never knew and make you fall in love with it:

1. Sushi is not raw fish 

Contrary to the misconception that sushi is raw fish, in Japanese food terminology the word ‘sushi‘ refers to cooked rice that is seasoned with vinegar, sugar, and salt, and filled with other ingredients like seafood and vegetables. Making sushi rice is considered an art by sushi chefs. This Japanese food is cooked perfectly when it is slightly sticky to the touch.

2. ‘Sashimi’ is not necessarily raw fish either

Sashimi, which is widely used in sushi, is derived from the word ‘Sashi’ which means cut, and ‘mi’ which means body. Sashimi is raw, thinly sliced meat, always the best cut, and should preferably be eaten without wasabi. Sashimi is not always fish; it can also be raw beef or lightly cooked octopus. The Japanese often eat sashimi as the first course and then move onto other types of sushi.

3. It take 10 years to become a Sushi chef

To roll a sushi perfectly, you need 10 years of training. A sushi chef or itamae is trained extensively for 2 years about the nuances of handling sushi and traditionally trains for 10 years before serving this Japanese food in a restaurant.

4. Bluefin Tuna Sushi is the most costly in the world

Almost 80% of all the bluefin tuna caught in the world is used for sushi. The highest price ever paid for a sushi grade Bluefin Tuna was R 5 484 600 for a 754 pound fish  on January 4th, 2011 at the Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo.

5. Sushi knives are sharpened everyday

It is believed that the knives used by professional sushi chefs are the direct descendants of samurai swords, and, like a samurai, the blade of sushi chef’s knives must be re-sharpened every day in order to precisely cut the fish.

6. There are 5 different types of sushi

7. Sushi must be consumed soon after it is made/ bought

Did you know? Sushi stored in the freezer starts turning sour and loses flavour. The fish used in the sushi, oxidizes once it’s cut and exposed to air, which makes it sour and hence it should be eaten soon after it is prepared.

8. Japanese food is not limited to sushi or sashimi

Other tasty options on a traditional Japanese food menu include teppanyaki, tempura and chicken teriyaki. Japanese usually drink miso soup at the beginning or end of a meal to aid digestion.

9. Sushi is supposed to be eaten with the hands

If you thought you had to struggle your way to eat sushi with chopsticks, you are wrong. The traditional and the right way to eat sushi is actually with your hands!  Chopsticks are typically used to eat sashimi.

10. Lifestyle SUPERSPAR offers half-price sushi on Tuesdays 

What’s better than a plate of delectable fresh sushi? Why, ½ price sushi, of course!

Pop into Lifestyle SUPERSPAR every Tuesday for 1/2 Price Sushi Day. From 10am, get 50% discount* on standard sushi packs. At this price, you can invite all your family and friends over to join you!
*Selected pre-packs only. Does not include special orders and platters.