The Japanese as a nation have always used fresh, simple ingredients to form their daily diet, realising the benefits in health from natural food products and shying away from artificial flavourings. The people of Japan see food as an integral part to their well-being.
In 300 BC the cultivation of rice was introduced by the settlers from the Korean Peninsula who established paddy fields and an agricultural system in the fertile plains of Japan. It is the short-grain rice which is grown in Japan but not just as a food source – it is also used to make a variety of other products such as paper, fuel and wine.
Being a group of islands surrounded by the sea, inhabitants since the dawn of time have been using the sea as a source of food. Sushi developed simply as a way of fermenting fish. Raw fish (Sashimi) was cleaned and filleted then pressed between layers of salt and weighted down with a stone. The raw fish was hand-rolled with sticky rice (rice which is seasoned by sweet rice vinegar) and made into food portions which were very high in nutrition and low in fat. Rice and sushi are still a staple part of the Japanese diet. Nigiri, Temaki, Norimaki and Oshizushi are all types of Sushi.
The early 1200’s saw the introduction of a range of food types; the Dutch brought corn, sweet potatoes and potatoes to Japan, while by the late 20th century; coffee, ice-cream and bread had become popular.
For generations the Japanese have made an art-form of preparing food. Presentation is key, and by using delicate flavours and mixes of sweet, savoury and sour together, the pleasure is not just in the eating but in the smell and visual offering. The Japanese will spend a very short time actually cooking the food; the majority of time goes into the preparation and creation of these dishes.
Superstition also has a part to play in Japanese cuisine. Did you know that chopsticks are made from different woods and you should carefully select the type of wood depending on the luck you require? For example; if you need a bit of financial luck – choose chopsticks made from chestnut, for hope – choose chopsticks made from Cyprus. For general all-round luck, Pine is your best bet!