Futomakizushi
Futomakizushi is a specialty in Chiba. The sushis are rolled and designed with flowers or auspicious characters which makes the eating experience a unique one :)
A local specialty of Chiba Prefecture, futomakizushi (large sushi roll), brings together Chiba’s best ingredients from the land and the sea. Cherished at special occasions and gatherings for generations, rolled sushi (makizushi) from Chiba is a sumptuous work of art that, when sliced, reveals a splendid array of colors. Even today, communities and families in the Chiba region proudly carry on the tradition of making this culinary delight.
photoChiba Prefecture’s official flower, the rape blossom.
People across Japan are fond of makizushi (sushi roll) which generally comes in two sizes, large futomakizushi and thin hosomakizushi. Makizushi is made by placing cooked white rice mixed with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt on nori (a sheet of dried laver). Thin cucumber sticks, tuna, or other fillings are then placed in the center of the rice, and the nori and rice are rolled around the fillings.
Chiba-style futomakizushi is made by laying down a sheet of nori or a thin layer of omelet, over which is spread cooked white rice. Then reddish or pink rice that has been colored with red shiso (beefsteak leaf) and umezu (plum vinegar) is laid over the white rice, along with kanpyo (dried gourd strips) flavored with soy sauce or sweet rice wine. Popular fillings include asari no tsukudani (Manila clams simmered in soy sauce, sweet rice wine, and sugar), shiitake mushrooms, and green vegetables. The fillings are arranged in a uniform way over the length of the roll so that when it is cut, each slice has the same appearance.
Futomakizushi can be made so that when cut, the fillings reveal vivid patterns including seasonal flowers, animals, kanji characters, cartoon characters, or even people’s faces. Skilled futomakizushi artisans in Chiba are able to create designs of almost anything. Fun as well as tasty, futomakizushi is a food of celebration that brings joy to many people.
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