Sushi is one of the most popular foods in the world, though many fans might be unaware of its background. As it turns out, the popular delicacy has a long history and is much more than just raw fish and rice. 

3 Facts You Might Not Know About Sushi

1. It Didn't Originate in Japan

Although sushi today is primarily a Japanese dish, it originates from ancient China. In the second century A.D., fish was preserved by placing it in rice to ferment. Over the next few centuries, the dish made its way to Japan, where people started eating the rice as well as the fish. However, sushi wasn’t developed until the early 19th century, when a man named Hanaya Yohei began serving fresh fish on top of rice. 

2. Sushi Is an Art Form

Traditionally, sushi chefs, called itamae, undergo at least a decade of training before working in a restaurant. This training allows them to create the delicate works of art and learn the standards for correct preparation, such as cutting the fish to the correct thickness and preparing rice and seaweed correctly. That said, demand for trained itamae is high, so some begin working after only two years of schooling. 

3. Fish Prices Can Be Exorbitant 

Although 80% of the world’s bluefin tuna catch is used for sushi, that doesn’t mean it always comes cheap. In 2019, a 612-pound tuna was sold at auction for $3 million. But generally speaking, bluefin tuna from Japan, which is preferred by chefs, averages about $200 per pound. U.S.-caught tuna runs $20–$40 per pound. Other fish species are typically farm-raised and cost significantly less. 

It’s also worth noting that tuna is the only fish that can be served raw in the U.S. without being flash-frozen first. The USDA requires all other fish to be flash-frozen to kill any flukes or parasites. This changes the texture and flavor of the fish. 

For fresh, delicious sushi and sashimi in Honolulu, HI, visit Aloha Cones. Since 2013, this local eatery has served Oahu kama‘aina and visitors with high-quality, tasty dishes, including poke bowls, salads, and shrimp tempura. They were voted the winner of the best poke bowl from Honolulu Magazine® in 2016. View their menu online, or call (808) 842-7653 to speak with a team member about their catering options. You can also check out customer reviews on Yelp.