I WONDER - Where Did Sushi Come From?

Sushi, a popular dish worldwide, originated by accident in Japan. Initially, fish was preserved by wrapping it in rice soaked in vinegar, which kept the fish from rotting but made the rice sour. As the need for long-term preservation decreased, people began to enjoy the taste of the vinegar-soaked rice. Eventually, fresh fish was served with this rice, wrapped in seaweed, leading to the sushi we know today.

What was the initial purpose of wrapping fish in rice soaked in vinegar in ancient Japan?

• To enhance the flavor of the fish

• To preserve the fish for a long time

• To make the rice more appealing

• To create a new dish

Why did the Japanese people start to like the rice soaked in vinegar?

• It was fresher and had a unique taste

• It was easier to cook

• It was sweeter than regular rice

• It was cheaper to produce

What change in fish availability influenced the evolution of sushi?

• Fish became more expensive

• Fish became less available

• More fish were caught, reducing storage time

• Fish were harder to catch

What ingredients are combined to create the sushi we know today?

• Fried fish, rice, and seaweed

• Fresh fish, rice, vinegar, and seaweed

• Raw fish, rice, and wasabi

• Cooked fish, rice, and soy sauce

How did the perception of vinegar-soaked rice change over time?

• It was replaced by plain rice

• It became less popular

• It became a favored taste

• It was used only for special occasions