Myth

Popular culture would have us believe that the famous Japanese delicacy of Sushi is created from raw fish. This is described in films, television programs, books and magazines.

Reality

In Japan the word sushi refers to a broad range of food prepared with sumeshi or sushi meshi, which is vinegared rice.

Outside Japan, sushi is often taken to mean raw fish. But this is totally erroneous and has been confused with sashimi.

Sashimi ("pierced body") is a Japanese delicacy primarily consisting of very fresh seafoods, thinly sliced and served with only a dipping sauce (for example soy sauce or ponzu sauce), and a simple garnish like shiso and shredded daikon radish.

Some sashimi ingredients, like octopus, are served cooked, but most fish, like tuna, are served raw. Less common but not unusual sashimi ingredients are vegetarian items such as yuba and raw red meats such as beef or horse.

The name sashimi may have come from the practice of sticking the tail of the fish on the slices, to let it be known which fish one was eating.

One last thought. For all those people who think the idea of 'raw fish' is terrible. Ponder on the production of 'Palma Ham' and 'Smoked Salmon' neither of which are cooked.

Tags: sushi, sashimi