Sushi, Sushi on plates

The name sushi originates from rice marinated with vinegar and salt. A long time ago this rice was used to preserve food, so that it stayed fresh in the humid and hot climate of Japan. The initial form of sushi was oshi-zushi, that is to say vegetables and fish put into a wooden box together with brined rice. Sushi has been served in this form until today. With time a wider variety of additional ingredients started to be used, like fish, vegetables, mushrooms and so on.