Beginner's Guide to Sampling Sushi

If you aren't sure what sushi is, be sure to read my article on my AC profile entitled What is Sushi? for more information. This article will give you a basic overview of what sushi is, its origins, and some information about the health benefits of sushi too. You will also learn the difference between sushi and sashimi, since many Americans believe sushi is raw fish, and it is not. Raw fish or cured fish is sashimi, and while sushi may contain sashimi, it is not necessary.

I have loved sushi since the very first time I tried it about 10 years ago. Today, I can't get enough of it, though it is very expensive here in America, and it is difficult to find fresh sushi that is properly prepared. Old sushi, packaged sushi at the stores, will not have the same taste as freshly prepared sushi. I think this is why many people are turned off to sushi before even trying it.

Sushi contains kelp or seaweed, and when kelp is fresh and not dried or processed, it has a taste very similar to fresh spinach, but when it is dried or processed or when it is old, it will have a bit of a fishy smell to it and will taste a bit like dirt. Therefore, fresh kelp is essential for good sushi.

When you purchase sushi at a grocery store, chances are you will buy sushi with dried or processed kelp and not the fresh variety. Most restaurants that serve sushi will serve fresh kelp, and not the dried variety, and you can usually find fresh kelp in a small Asian market or in the Asian section of your grocery store. If you cannot find fresh kelp, the dried but non-processed kelp is your best second choice, but be sure to follow the instructions for properly re-hydrating the kelp prior to using it.

In my opinion, the single most important part of great tasting sushi is using fresh kelp, and the second most important part would be selecting the ingredients to include in the sushi roll. The most popular ingredients for a sushi roll is fish or seafood. However, if you are a beginner sushi taster, you might prefer to start with a California roll sushi instead.