Sushi is a food that uses rice flavored with vinegar, sugar and salt (called “sushi meshi”). Foods typically served with rice include sashimi (raw fish or seafood of various types), tofu, chicken, fresh or dried chopped vegetables, konbu (kelp) and nori (seaweed). Sushi combines steamed rice flavored with rice vinegar with vegetables or seafood, such as cooked shrimp or crabmeat. It is then shaped, rolled and wrapped with a thin sheet of toasted cultivated seaweed.

Sushi has been a traditional Japanese cuisine for hundreds of years. Because Japan is an island nation with very limited land suitable for farming, what land exists is used for growing rice. The Japanese have always relied on the sea to provide food for their dense population. Sushi originated hundreds of years ago as a way of preserving fish. Cleaned, raw fish were pressed between layers of salt and rice and weighted with stones. After a few months, the fermented rice and fish were ready to eat.

In the 18th century, a chef named Yohei decided to do away with the fermentation process and served sushi in the way that resembles its present form. Sushi is considered an art form, and it is elegantly arranged to enhance its simplicity and natural beauty. Such presentation reflects the Japanese love of nature.

Sushi is low in fat and is as nutritious as the ingredients from which it is made. The fish in sushi provides protein and can be a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. Vegetables are a great source of disease-preventing phytochemicals. Seaweed is rich in iodine, and rice provides complex carbohydrates.

Sushi 101: Beginner's Guide to Eating Sushi

1. No Japanese required.

2. Everyone starts as a beginner. Ask Kamehachi's staff to assist you.

3. Sushi is a combination of vinegar, rice and various fish and shellfish (raw or cooked), other seafood (squid, octopus, etc.) and special seasonings.

4. Not all sushi is raw.

5. Sushi can be ordered nigiri-style (pats of rice with various items) or maki-style (sushi rolls sliced into four or six pieces). Ask for a sushi picture chart to see what items look appealing to you.

6. Beginners can start with ebi (cooked shrimp), tamago (cooked egg) or the California roll; or order the "Beginner’s Sushi 101" which includes 1/2 California roll, 1/2 cucumber roll and shrimp & egg omelet sushi (all cooked foods, nothing raw!).

7. Try different maki and nigiri sushi. This takes time and practice.

8. Choose your sushi favorites now and then try several new ones on your next visit.

9. The best way to eat sushi is with your hands, not with chopsticks, but you decide which way is more comfortable.

10. Pour a small amount of soy sauce in a dipping bowl, add a touch of wasabi (Japanese horseradish) and a piece of sliced ginger. Mix ingredients with chopsticks.

11. Pick up a piece of sushi between the thumb and middle finger and dip into the soy sauce.

12. Eat and enjoy with your favorite beverage.

13. Repeat as often as you like!