Sushi is a most popular and traditional food in Japan, and now sushi has become most fashionable around the world. Sushi is low in cholestroland high in Vitamins.
It was started about 500 years ago near Biwa lake, during civil war period in Japan.
It was called "OSHI SUSHI'', prepared from vinegared rice and a Biwa lake fish, the crucian carp. Since there was a civil war going on, people had to have ready made food to take with them to battle or on their flight from the enemy. Vinegar keeps rice from spoiling and was also used to marinate the fish, which was laid on top of a box of vinegar prepared rice and then cut as needed. This OSHI SUSHI was able to last longer in the hot and humid climate of Japan, than other foods without the use of cooking or broiling over fire, which was difficult in war times. Later Sushi became popular during more prosperous times in the Edo period in Tokyo, starting 400 yearas ago. People had easy access to fresh fish and liked the taste of raw fresh fish with vinegared rice, which also served as preservative and digestive. Soon Sushi restaurants became popular all over Tokyo serving raw fish like Tuna, Yellowtail, Red Snapper, Squid, Flounder, also quick-boiled Shrimp, Octopus etc.
on vinegared rice on bite size canapes, called Nigiri Sushi. Other forms of Sushi were "Maki Sushi", a sweet soy bean curd sushi, Vegetable sushi called "Futomaki" as well as Egg sushi. When Sushi became popular in the western world after World War II, especially in California, U.S.A., new varieties were added like California roll, Tempura roll, Salmon, and Soft shell crab roll, etc. The most important rule remains that , no matter where served, Sushi has to be made of the freshest ingredients and delicate vinegared rice.