For students at Florida A&M, the thought of eating sushi either draws a smile of familiar delight or a look of pained disgust. There’s no in-between, according to students that The Famuan talked to.
“Ewwww, I would never eat sushi, not even on my death bed,” says sophomore Aaliyah Holiday. Her response is indicative of the side of people who despise the delicacy of raw fish (sometimes served with rice and seaweed, and other times not) that emigrated from Japan.
On the other side of the discussion are students who enjoy sushi.
“I’ve tried almost every type of sushi and they all taste the same but I like the weird-looking clump topping on Nigiri sushi,” said graduate student,Sharee Thomas.
But what is it? Sushi is a cultural delicacy popularized during Japan’s Edo period of the late nineteenth century. Then, the dish was made of small, bite-sized fish reserved in vinegar. It has since evolved to include rice and sushi (rice wine) vinegar.
Many Americans indulge in the vast variety of flavored raw fish, including the Chirashi, Nigiri, Mah-ke, and Fukusa varieties.
Sushi is served at almost any Japanese restaurant, sushi bar or eatery that serves raw food. And even among the many places in Tallahassee to get sushi, people who live in the city have their favorite spots.
“Hands down, I would have to say that Masa’s has the best sushi in Tallahassee,” said Tiarra Atkins, a Tampa, Fla. native.
Restaurants are not the only places that provide sushi. Seafood departments of popular stores, like Wal-Mart and Winn-Dixie, often stock fresh sushi.
“We have a sushi chef who prepares it especially whenever it’s requested,” says Dionna Willis, a seafood department worker in Publix.
Prices for sushi vary, but tend to be cheaper in grocery stores. This allows college students who enjoy an exotic treat to access the morsels.
While some disagree with eating sushi others prefer it.
Is it healthy? Yes, some are.
Vegetables, sea vegetables and seafood are the healthier ingredients in sushi. They are all different but customers have the choice to decide on specific toppings. The toppings usually consist of cucumbers, tomatoes, carrots and other vegetables.
For many, sushi can be an acquired taste. So delve in and give it a try.