“Shari” is mainly used as a synonym for rice in sushi restaurants. It is used as a word to refer to rice as a matter of course, but few people know why it is called shari. In fact, it is said that the background to the fact that rice came to be called Shari is related to Buddhism and other diseases. Therefore, this time, I will explain in detail the basics of Shari and the origin of the name. Also, check out how to make delicious shari.
What is Shari?
Shari
Shari has several meanings, but in meals, it mainly means rice grains and white rice. Especially in Japan, it is known as a sushi term, and when you say shari in a sushi restaurant, it refers to “rice (sushi rice)”. In sushi, the ingredients tend to attract more attention than the sushi, but the shari is more important for making truly delicious sushi. In the past, “red shari” using red vinegar was common.
What is Ginshari?
Ginshari is a cliché word that means freshly cooked silver white rice. It is said that the word ginshari came into use around the middle of the Showa era. At that time, during World War II (and after World War II), white rice was a very expensive food and was called “ginshari” because it was shining white compared to barley rice. In addition, shari often refers to sushi rice, but gin shari often refers to white rice.
How long has Shari been used?
Shari
It is not known exactly when the word Shari was used. However, Kukai (774~835), who is known as the founder of Shingon Buddhism, wrote in his “Treasured Record” that “Tenjiku Kokou Rice Grain 為相 Sari. Oh my God.” He wrote. This can be simply translated into modern language to mean “rice grains are called shari in Tenjiku.” Therefore, it is thought that the word Shari was used at least around the 8th~9th century.
What is the origin of Shari?
Shari
The origin of Shari is still unclear. However, in general, the theory that “it is similar to sari” (French for remains) and “sari, which means rice in Sanskrit, was used” are prevalent. So, let’s check some about the origin of Shari.
Part 1. Because it was similar to Sari.”
Shari is “Sari” in Chinese characters, and this Sari, which means “remains / Buddha’s bones” in Brahma (Sanskrit). And because the color and shape of the white rice resembled the remains (or divided Buddha’s bones) left after cremation, the rice came to be called “sari” among monks. In addition, it is often explained in dictionaries that it is “because it resembles a remain”.
Part 2. Sanskrit was used.”
In Sanskrit, grains of rice are called “sari”. It is said that this was transmitted to Japan through Buddhism, and even Japan came to call white rice shari. In China, “sarira”, which means sari, and “sari”, which means rice, are confused, and rice is also called sari. However, this mistake in China is allegedly not related to the Japan’s “Shari”.
Part 3. Because the vinegared rice is crispy.”
The origin of Shari is generally associated with Buddhism and Sanskrit. However, there is also a theory that when making vinegared rice, “rice and vinegar are mixed together (because it makes a crunching sound)”. It can be said that it is the origin of the word “sari” unique to sushi restaurants.
Key points for making delicious shari
Shari
Since ancient times, sushi has been said to be “60% shari, 40% toppings”, and shari has been emphasized as a decisive factor in deliciousness. In addition, the most delicious shari is said to be “rice that absorbs vinegar well and is still smooth.” So, here are some tips on how to make shari delicious.
Point 1: Cool well with a fan
In general, when making shari (vinegared rice), it is often cooled with a fan or fan. There are several reasons for this, and it is said that chilling it brings out the luster of white rice, and that it makes you feel the flavor moderately. Therefore, when making shari, it is desirable to cool the rice thoroughly.
Point 2: Use more old rice than new rice
When making delicious shari, it is better to use old rice. The reason for this is that new rice has a higher water content, so when combined with vinegar, it tends to have a “sticky” texture. On the other hand, old rice has a low water content, so it is said that it is delicious even when combined with vinegar.
conclusion
Shari is a synonym for “rice” that is often used in sushi restaurants. However, when I investigated the etymology, it seems that it may be related to Buddhism or Sanskrit. It may also be good to remember that the theory that “because it was similar to Sari” is generally prevalent.
