Where Did Sushi Come From – China Or Japan? Know Facts & Interesting Stories Behind This Beloved Dish

Where did sushi really come from – Japan or somewhere else entirely? As International Sushi Day rolls around on June 18, it's the perfect time to dive into the rich, surprising history behind this beloved dish. While sushi is applauded worldwide as a Japanese culinary icon, its true origins trace back much further and across borders.

Sushi's surprising origins: Not Japan, but China

Sushi, in its earliest form, actually traces back to ancient China between the 5th and 3rd centuries BC. Back then, it wasn't about fine dining; it was about food preservation. According to veteran sushi chef Masayoshi Kazato, narezushi was the original version of sushi, made by fermenting fish in rice and salt. This method allowed fish to be stored for months, and only the fish, rich in umami from fermentation, was eaten. The rice? It was usually thrown away.

As noted by the sushi chef, who has worked for over fifty years, this practice eventually made its way to Japan around the 8th century, where each region developed its own version of narezushi. In Hokkaido and Tohoku, dishes like Izushi emerged, with fermented fish and vegetables wrapped in bamboo leaves and set under heavy stones. Unlike the strong-smelling varieties, this type melted gently on the tongue, appealing even to those unfamiliar with fermented foods.

Rise of modern sushi

Sushi as we know it began to evolve when rice vinegar entered the picture. Originating in Mesopotamia, vinegar reached Japan via China by the 4th or 5th century. During the Edo period, locals began using vinegar made from sake lees to season rice, dramatically speeding up the sushi-making process and stopping the need for fermentation.

By the mid-20th century, sushi had begun making its way to the United States, thanks to Japanese immigrant communities in cities like Los Angeles. Initially considered too foreign due to the use of raw fish, it gained traction when the California roll, eating crab and avocado, reimagined sushi for the American palate.

Soon, sushi wasn't just a niche food; it became a global trend. Celebrities in Hollywood embraced it, sushi bars popped up worldwide, and new variations emerged to suit local tastes.

In 2009, International Sushi Day was born, thanks to a Facebook campaign, and June 18 has since become a global celebration of this beloved dish.

From ancient fermentation to global fame

So, while sushi's origins lie in ancient Chinese preservation techniques, Japan was the creative force that refined and elevated it into an art form. Today, from Tokyo to Toronto, sushi is more than just food!

Whether you're a fan of traditional nigiri, bold sashimi, or fusion rolls, there's never been a better time to appreciate sushi's remarkable journey across history and onto your plate.

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