Looking for an excuse to treat yourself to some sushi? Well, look no further, because the 18th of June is International Sushi Day! We celebrate by sharing some sushi trivia, as well as the best wines to enjoy with this Japanese rice delicacy.
Five fun sushi facts
- Put down the chopsticks
Sushi is traditionally eaten with the hands, not with chopsticks. The chopsticks tend to ruin the artfully crafted shape of the sushi piece and should be reserved for ginger and sashimi.
- Know your sushi from your sashimi
These two are not to be confused. Sushi is a dish of vinegared, seasoned rice that may include cooked or raw fish, vegetables, and nori seaweed. Sashimi, on the other hand, refers to thinly sliced raw fish without the sushi rice.
- The deal with the ginger
The purpose of the pickled ginger served alongside your sushi is to serve as a palate cleanser between different types of fish. You can also use a piece of ginger as a “brush” to apply soy sauce, but then don’t eat the soy-soaked piece of ginger.
- A single bite
It is considered disrespectful to the chef to bite a piece of sushi in half. Get the full flavor impact by placing the entire piece on your tongue, fish side down.
- It may not be real wasabi
The green dollop next to your sushi may be ordinary horseradish, which is often used as a substitute for the root of the wasabia japonica plant.
The best wines to pair with sushi
Because we know that it is about the experience, not just the sushi, we have rounded up 3 wines that pair well with sushi. Here they are …
This light-bodied white wine pairs particularly well with deep-fried tempura.
A light-bodied, dry rosé that is the perfect partner for maki with avocado.
This low-in-alcohol sparkling rosé made from Chenin Blanc and Pinotage grapes, will complement your Philadelphia rolls.
Remember, at the end of the day, the best partner for your sushi is the wine that you enjoy most with it, so go ahead and experiment a little … Kanpai! (Cheers in Japanese)
