Sushi Day: Appreciating the Beloved Asian Cuisine (Part Two of Two)

ONCEkids Wishes You a Happy Sushi Day!

If you have never before tried the delicious and addicting Asian dish, there is no better time to than on Sushi Day! 

The countless types and styles of sushi make it easy to find at least one sushi dish that will appeal to your taste buds. Since sushi has been loved and consumed by the people of Japan and China for hundreds of years, it is no surprise that over the years several different types of sushi have since emerged. The texture and taste of the different dishes comes from the varying fillings, toppings, and methods of preparation.

The first, Chirashizushi, consists of a bowl of sushi rice that is topped with sashimi and garnishes. Different cooked or uncooked ingredients may be added to the simple and easy-to-make dish depending on the chef or the specifications of the customer. 

The next type of sushi, called Inarizushi, varies depending on where in the world you are ordering it, but its basic ingredients include a pouch of fried tofu filled with sushi rice. There is a version of Inarizushi that also includes green beans, carrots, and gobo in addition to the rice- this version is specifically a Hawaiian specialty!

Has your family received a Nook, Kindle or iPad this year?  Find Fujimini Adventure Series award-winning books here.  Great family-friendly gifts

Narezushi is the traditional form of sushi, which includes the fermentation process. This complicated but richly traditional process of preparation includes stuffing the skinned and gutted fish with salt, placing it in a wooden barrel, and leaving it there to allow the water seep out. Once six months have passed, the sushi is ready for consumption. Wow, that's dedication! 

The next type of sushi is Nigirizushi, or hand pressed sushi. This variation of sushi consists of a rectangular-shaped mound of sushi rice, with wasabi and a topping of fish draped over it. Typical topping fish include tuna, salmon, or other seafood such as eel or octopus. 

The second to last type of sushi is known as pressed sushi or boxed sushi, or in Japan, Oshizushi. This complex but delicious style of sushi consists of a block-shaped piece formed by a wooden mold, otherwise known as oshibako, lined with toppings and covered with sushi rice. The lid of the mold is then pressed down by the chef to create a compact box. The block is then removed and cut into bit sized pieces. This style of sushi derives from the Kansai region and is a specialty, as well as a favorite, of Osaka. 

The last type of sushi is the kind that you have most likely seen or heard of before, Makizushi, or rolled sushi. This sushi is typically wrapped in a seaweed covering and cut into six or eight pieces. It can also be wrapped with soy paper, cucumber, or shiso leaves. There are four different variations that have stemmed from this particular style of sushi. These include Futomaki, Hosomaki, Temaki, and Uramaki. These variations come from the different types of fillings and sizes of the Makizushi. 

To learn more about the cultural and diversity taught at Fujimini Island, please click here.

So make sure to pick up some sushi at your local grocery store or head down to an Asian style restaurant to try one of their most delicious dishes! Happy Sushi Eating! 

Sushi Day: Appreciating the Beloved Asian Cuisine (Part One of Two)

Happy Sushi Day! 

Even if it is not necessarily one's food of choice, most people have tried or at least heard of sushi. The love of sushi has been a rich part of Asian culture throughout much of history, since even before the Muromachi period in 1336 AD. 

It was first introduced in Southeast Asia, spreading rapidly through Southern China and eventually to Japan. Its original form is quite different from the sushi we know and love today.

 Historically, the fish is fermented by being wrapped in soured fermenting rice. Once the fish was removed from the rice, it would be consumed while the rice would be thrown out. 

The process for making sushi slowly began to evolve as the dish became increasingly popular. In order to improve the taste and how long the dish could last, vinegar was added to the list of ingredients. 

Has your family received a Nook, Kindle or iPad this year?  Find Fujimini Adventure Series award-winning books here.  Great family-friendly gifts

As time went on, the preparation and the dish itself continued to change. As the vinegar took away from some of the sourness and increased sushi's shelf life, the fermentation process was eventually abandoned all together.

With contemporary Japanese sushi, the fish is freshly caught rather than fermented, which speeds up preparation. This version of sushi was created towards the end of the Edo period, which lasted from 1799 to 1858, by Hanaya Yohei. 


To learn more about the cultural and diversity taught at Fujimini Island, please click here.

Have Fun! Play Games!

ONCEKids has several games that provide an opportunity for readers of the Fujimini Island Adventure Series to deepen their experience and, for those who have yet to read the books, explore the world of Fujimini Island.  

Fujimini Island has a word search, coloring sheets and a build your own sushi game.

For the ‘build your own sushi’ game kids learn about food, a predominant cultural motif, they expand their vocabulary and improve hand and eye coordination. They also get to be creative. Plus, the game is fun and a fun game ensures the greatest learning.

Go to Fujimini Island to play games and build your own sushi.

Surf Party and Sushi Lunch

In Green Hamster and the Quest for Fun, Green Hamster searches for fun. He meets the penguins who are having a surf party and a sushi lunch. Ever wondered what sushi is? Sushi is made from fish (usually raw), rice and seaweed. It is then rolled into fun bite size shapes. Here are some interesting sushi facts:

Did you know sushi is a food custom originating in Japan?
Did you know that many centuries ago fish was placed in rice as a way of preserving the fish? Preserving is a big word that basically means extending or making the fish last longer.
Did you know that preserving fish in rice extended all the way to China?
Did you know that the Japanese started combining the rice with the fish instead of discarding the rice used to ferment the fish?

More facts about sushi to come soon.