Sushi Healthy Eating Have The Japanese Got It Right?
It is claimed by many nutritionists that Sushi is one of the main reasons why Japanese people have the lowest incidence of obesity and heart disease. Now finally more and more are taking up Sushi as an alternative to junk foods.
Sushi, that sumptuous combination of rice and raw fish, wrapped in fish skin is quickly approaching fast food status overseas, far, far away from the country that invented it. It's sparing partner, the wasabe, the green stuff that is atrocious to the nose is a delicacy that non-Japanese people are still getting used to-but it's only a matter of time.
The taste of wasabi or wasabe paste as many know it has may be more than just a basic accompaniment to the sushi. It is said that the wasabe kills the bacteria in fish even if the fish is not exceptionally fresh.
Eating sushi can be quite expensive, owing to the fact that it is labor intensive to make. The first big challenge is getting really fresh fish, definitely not just the ones that sell in the typical wet market. You have to find the fish market that sells sushi-grade fish. In some cases, they will help do the deboning for you, but for a fee, of course.
You could of course prepare your own sushi ... You'll need a good amount of time as the process cannnot be rushed and a high level of confidence with sharp knives. Maybe it is this combination of labor and skill that means most dinners either choose to buy ready prepared sushi or dine out at one of the number of eating places serving such food.
Be aware that this is not all about the fish and is much more about the skill of the knife. Prepare sushi with out the required knife skills and it will look soggy and grainy- It will look as if the fish has been attacked rather than prepared with great skill.
You won't be able to buy cheap rice either. Only quality Japanese sushi rice ideally cooked in a rice cooker will create the desired result. Don't be skimpping to save a few bucks. Also if you choose sashimi another delicate japanese preparation of fish be prepared to not expect rice as it will not be served unless requested as an extra.
Types of sushi are many, but with out exception all are served with rice. Most commonly know is the sushi roll or maki which is made using nori (seaweed) and served in slices of six parts. In addition there is nigiri or hand made sushi usually prepared in pairs. In addition to these more common types there is also pressed sushi (squares) or oshi, and bean curd sushi rolls or inarizushi.
Chirashizushi or scattered sushi consists of rice spread in a box or bowl with nine different types of fish scattered on top is just another type of sushi. Others include Chankinzushi which is prepared sushi rice omelet wrapper shaped and tied like a ladies drawstring purse (slightly similar to chinese dim sum). Some times a solitary shrimp or pea decorates the ruffled part of the wrapper. We can't ignore the amazing sushi art of Saikuzushi or festival sushi where rice is colored and then created in to sushi rolls with intricate designs and patterns
Makezushi consist of sushi rice combined with vegetables, and seafood that has been molded into special bowls of square tins and covered with pieces of sliced omelet, shrimp and vegetables. Another variation on this theme is Fukusazushi where where the molded rice is wrapped in a sheet of omelet and then turned over to hide the joins and garnished with a ribbon of seaweed (nori) and ginger.
Lastly we have Temarizushi which are rice balls wrapped in thinly sliced marinated fish. Itadakimasu! (enjoy your meal) Author: Graham Foster :: Hits: 4 :: Added: Thu Jan 03 2008 ::
