What is Sushi? Information About Sushi and Its Origins

In general, Americans do not know what real sushi is, and many believe sushi is simply raw fish - but raw fish is actually sashimi, not sushi. This incorrect belief of what sushi is has left many Americans unwilling to sample sushi as an appetizer. Still others have no clue what sushi is or why it is so expensive and considered a delicacy. Personally, I love real sushi, but I know it can be an acquired taste for some. I also love most types of sashimi, even the Americanized versions.

While many believe sushi is raw fish, it's important to note that sushi doesn't even have to contain fish at all. Granted, fish and seafood, especially raw or cured fish, is one of the most popular ingredients in sushi, but it is not necessary.

Sushi actually is characterized by a slightly sweet, sticky rice, made with a sweet vinegar and rice combination, usually lined with seaweed or kelp, called nori, and then the ingredients are placed in the center and the rice and seaweed are wrapped around the ingredients into a cylindrical roll. Once the sushi is rolled, it can be cut into the familiar circles served in restaurants and stores in America.

Some possible ingredients for a sushi include fish (cooked, steamed, raw or cured), seafood, and both raw and steamed vegetables. In America, other ingredients can be found in restaurants including pieces of beef, avocado, pickles, pimento, cheeses and more. As you can see, while sushi can contain raw fish, sushi itself is not actually raw fish. Once you realize this, you can probably find a sushi version to suit your tastes and sample real sushi, without worrying about eating raw fish (sashimi).

I was fortunate enough to meet and speak with a retired master sushi chef, Tad Ko, who has prepared sushi in both Japanese and American restaurants. Chef Ko informed me that sushi, while traditionally believed to be a Japanese delicacy, actually has its origins in China. After researching this claim, I discovered that several websites confirmed that sushi was introduced to Japan by the Chinese in the 7th century, but Japan put its own unique flare into sushi by adding the sushi roll that is now so familiar.