1 post tagged “great sushi”

We have already explored how to experience sushi with the senses of sight, smell, and sound. Today, we are going to talk about tactile impressions. That's right, the "feel" of sushi. The fact that sushi has so much varied textures that can be appreciated truly sets it apart from all other foods.

The texture of sushi is something that you will not find anywhere. Try taking a piece of fatty tuna or yellow tail and placing it in your mouth. Slowly close your jaw and let your tongue rest atop the piece. Try not chewing for 30 seconds, so you can really understand the feel. The best tuna and yellow tail feels like silk. Smooth and soft, crisp and cool to the touch.

Now, take a piece of tobiko (roe) wrapped in seaweed. Slowly chew and let your mouth guide you. You can feel the hundreds of small circular balls that make up tobiko. Try both the regular and tiny variety. They will have different tastes and a different feel. As you enjoy the feel of the tobiko, also try and separate the texture of the seaweed. It should be fresh and crunchy and represents a unique contrast to the roe. It's an amazing combination that can only be fully appreciated by those who have cultivated the taste of texture.

Finally, try octopus. The meat is harder and the suction cups on the outside are unlike any other food. While the taste is not too strong, it is the texture that sets this sushi apart.

You can have fun sampling many different varieties of sushi. Keep a notebook handy and jot down your impression of the different textures. You will find that there is always something new to experience in the amazing world of sushi.