Sushi is the most misunderstood food item. Many friends will not go to a sushi restaurant because they do not like raw meat. Many people also complain that sushi and sashimi are cut too thin and too small. This article desires to answer some questions many people have when it comes to sushi; dispelling the myths.
Myth 1: All sushi are raw:
Truth: No. In fact not all sushi are made and served raw. Unagi (eel) sushi and also kani (crab meat) sushi are examples of non-raw meat. The unagi, specifically, is barbecued and served on a bed of rice.
Myth 2: The thicker the sushi, the better is the restaurant serving it:
Truth: This is not always the case. Sushi is judged by the perfection of the sushi chef’s cut. All sushi must be cut thinly and at an angle. Chefs go through special training and have to master the art of cutting sushi. Those that cut thick slices are not master chefs; thus it makes the quality low.
Myth 3: Sushi restaurants do not serve vegetarians:
Truth: There are vegetarian maki sushi rolls filled with yam, cucumbers and avocado. There are also vegetarian sushi restaurant, which are in the culinary business of mimicking real fish. Remember, it’s not real fish, it’s vegetarian made with tofu and food colouring.
Myth 4: Sushi is eaten only with chopsticks:
Truth: It is very easy to use chopsticks and pick up sticky rice with them. Many restaurants and website guides would be happy to show you how to hold chopsticks properly. If you still cannot use chopsticks, a fork or even hands are fine.
Myth 5: The soy sauce served with sushi causes infertility/sterility:
Truth: Statistics show you need to drink 12 oz or 60g of soy sauce per month in order to be effected by mimicking estrogen levels and infertility/sterility. Most humans do not come close to such numbers.
Myth 6: You can get mercury poisoning from sushi:
Truth: Like all other foods, you need to eat sushi on a sporadic basis. This means that you cannot eat it everyday. Many fish like tuna and salmon have high mercury levels. It is best to check the guide on mercury levels per fish if you would like to know more information. If you eat sushi once a week or even twice per week, you are at low risk of getting mercury poisoning.
Myth 7: You can die from eating raw fish from sushi:
Truth: Again, as I’ve said before, everything needs to be eaten at a good proportion. Too much is not good for you and your health. If you eat too much, you will have major consequences.
Myth 8: Japanese Restaurant only serve sushi:
Truth: Sushi is not only Japanese food. Many Korean restaurants serve the dish as well. Many Japanese restaurants also have other specialties like teriyaki, teppanyaki, soups and small appetizers such as miso soup and kani salad.
Myth 9: Sushi is not healthy as the rice is starched:
Truth: No, this is not the case. The wasabi is excellent for cleaning out your stomach. The seaweed, which many sushi rolls are wrapped in, is healthy as well. It has important vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
Myth 10: Pregnant women should not eat sushi:
Truth: Sushi is not only made with raw fish. Pregnant women are advised against eating raw meat sushi because of the bacterial issues. However, they are allowed to eat seaweed and vegetarian maki sushi rolls. Thus, women are allowed to eat in sushi restaurants. It is all about the type of sushi they eat while in the restaurant.