3 min read

10 Interesting Facts About Sushi

People across the globe enjoy sushi. Here are a few interesting facts about sushi that you might enjoy. While people have some idea of the ingredients found in their favourite rolls and the difference between maki and nigiri, there’s so much more to know about this popular cuisine.

1. Sushi did not originate in Japan

What we know today as sushi originated in Japan, but the practice of wrapping raw fish in rice originated in South-East Asia where raw fish was packed in a ball of rice which would lead to the rice spoiling, but at the same time keeping the fish inside fresher for longer.

2. The First Restaurant in SA to Offer The Cannafornia Roll

Blowfish Restaurant is the home of the first-ever Cannafornia Roll in SA. The Cannafornia roll has a filling of prawn and salmon, complemented with a lick of cream cheese, and topped with avocado. This showstopper sushi roll is accompanied by strawberry mayo infused with a contemporary twist – CBD oil. Something to try the next time you’re in Blouberg.

3. Wasabi

Many people don’t know that wasabi is a root that grows in running water. It’s almost impossible to get it fresh in South Africa and that’s why most sushi restaurants here, including Blowfish, use wasabi powder which is reconstituted with water to make a paste.

4. Sushi Rice Was Not Eaten Originally

Originally the rice that was wrapped around the fish was used for protecting the fish from insects and to prevent it from spoiling. Once the fish was consumed, the rice was thrown away, but through the centuries this custom changed and now fresh seafood is wrapped in rice which has been prepared with rice wine vinegar and white sugar.

5. The Word Sushi Means Rice

Sushi does not have to contain rice to be considered authentic. The word sushi is referring to the rice that is used for making these dishes. If there is vinegared rice used in the roll, it is considered sushi.

6. Pufferfish Can be Lethal When Not Handled Correctly

Pufferfish or Fugu contains toxic amounts of poison in the organs and glands. If a chef makes a mistake and inadvertently scrapes one with his knife while making sashimi, he could end up killing his customers. To become a certified chef that works with fugu sashimi, Japanese chefs must undergo rigorous training and certification processes and consume their finished product.

7. Real Rolls are Considered Works of Art

We are not referring to the customary California rolls found in sushi outlets in the West. Masters of the art carefully choose the ingredients of authentic makizushi. The texture, colour, and taste all complement each other. Rolls are then sliced and served in disks so that customers can admire the artwork inside. Our talented sushi chefs pride themselves in creating stunning sushi rolls that look like art, just look at this fabulous Zebra Roll. Make sure to order it on your next visit to Blowfish.

8. Sushi is Wrapped in Other Wrappers Beside Seaweed

While the most familiar wrapper for sushi is seaweed, cucumber, egg, soy paper, and avocado are all substitutes. Have you tried the Blowfish Cucumber Roll?

9. Sushi Was Originally Sold as an Affordable Snack

At first, sushi was not the delicacy it is today and was sold as an affordable, quick snack that was eaten with the hands-on the go.

10. You Can Compliment the Chef by Buying him a Drink

At the end of your culinary sushi experience, you can show your gratitude by buying the chef a shot of sake, but when he accepts, you must drink one with him.

Conclusion

We hope you have enjoyed reading these interesting facts about sushi. We’re sure this will make for some interesting conversation the next time you’re enjoying your Blowfish sushi with your friends.