Kakinoha Zushi ( 柿の葉寿司 ) - Food in Japan
Time Saved: 6 Min
Kakinoha Zushi is a local cuisine of Wakayama Prefecture which has the main ingredients of mackerel and salmon wrapped in persimmon leaves.
Kakinoha Zushi, or Persimmon Leaf Sushi, is a traditional cuisine from Nara but popular in the Kansai region, dating back to the Edo period.
It consists of pressed sushi with mackerel or salmon on vinegared rice wrapped in persimmon leaves.
The leaves offer antibacterial protection.
The dish includes various ingredients like salmon, mackerel, rice, and persimmon leaves, with regional variations like sea bream and mushrooms.
The origins are linked to the transportation of fish and the use of persimmon leaves for preservation.
Persimmon leaves have antibacterial properties and health benefits.
Kakinoha Zushi is popular during festivals and events, and is a representative souvenir of Nara.
Instructions for making the dish include preparing sushi rice, seasoning the fish, assembling the sushi, and pressing it with persimmon leaves.
Several restaurants in Nara specialize in Kakinoha Zushi, using high-quality rice and vinegar.
Popular toppings include mackerel and salmon.
The dish is also known for its health benefits, including antibacterial and antiviral effects.
Visitors to Nara often purchase Kakinoha Zushi as a souvenir.
It is recommended to unwrap the sushi and discard the leaf, as it is for protection only.
Different varieties of fish and vegetarian options are available for Kakinoha Zushi.
People buy this sushi as souvenirs due to its long preservation time.
The packaging typically includes wooden or cardboard boxes with various piece counts.
When in Nara, trying Kakinoha Zushi and other local cuisines is a must.