The Art of Sushi

Over the past year or so, I have gained a strong liking for sushi, to the point where I crave it and is on my top list of foods. Of course, like many other people, I never thought that I would even try the stuff. Raw fish? Gross! However, last year around this time, some friends of mine invited me out for sushi and I have been hooked ever since. When we sat down, I was skeptical and looked at alternate options on the menu, but essentially decided that I would try it. I mean, it couldn't hurt to try it. I, of course, had to ask what I would like, or what the best roll to try would be and my friends definitely steered my in the right direction. I finished the whole plate, and raved about it to everyone, introducing my boyfriend, other friends, and family to one of my new favorite foods. Now, I am not simply writing to express my love for this food, but to take into consideration the art of the food, and how much the presentation actually adds to the fun.

Sushi chefs spend years in training in order to create their own style and presentation of the sushi they roll. Sushi was originally invented as a way to preserve fish, by being frozen, soaked, or blanched. The fish was then salted and paired with rice and rolled in seaweed. Sushi rolls today are now combined with several other elements and are one of the most colorful plates to eat. There are three things to consider when constructing a sushi roll: color, taste, and texture. Most plates are presented with pops of pink, orange, yellow, and green for contrast agains each other and the white rice, and dark seaweed. Plates usually only present 1 or 2 rolls of sushi, and is never piled to high. Japanese feel that this crowds the eye and takes away from the main event, and the roll as a an art. Often sauces will be delicately placed in some sort of pattern on the plate, and always is served with small piles of ginger and wasabi.

If you have not tried sushi, I definitely recommend giving it a try even if you don't think you would like it in our wildest dreams. I'm sure you will be pleasantly surprised. However, if you can't seem to take a liking to the taste, please appreciate the art that goes into it.