Traditionally, pickled ginger (or gari) is served as a palate cleanser during a meal made up of several courses of sushi. A bite of ginger between the different pieces of sushi allows you to distinguish the distinct flavors of each fish.
Why is pickled ginger so healthful?
The Reason Why Ginger is Served with Sushi – Gari is a crucial component of the presentation of sushi, and in the context of sushi, presentation is extremely important. Even in the inexpensive California roll you purchased thousands of miles from Japan, the decorative green divider separating your sushi from its condiments is a remnant of presentation custom.
- But gari is not simply present for its aesthetic appeal.
- At the authentic sushi bar, the chef serves one or two pieces of nigiri (a type of sushi consisting of an oval-shaped ball of rice topped with a slice of fish) at a time, in accordance with the traditional method of sushi presentation.
- Who better to determine the sushi experience than the person who knows the most about his ingredients, from what is freshest to what tastes best? Each small portion is comprised of a specially selected fish or shellfish, each with its own distinct flavor profile.
However, the distinctions can be subtle. To fully appreciate the tasting menu that the chef has created, it is necessary to have a clean palate between each course. And how, you inquire, do you achieve this pristine and refined palate? The response is gari.
- The spicy acidity of pickled ginger is an almost ideal antidote to the flavors of seafood.
- Gari is used as a palate cleanser between “courses” in traditional sushi consumption.
- Ginger is also recognized for its numerous health benefits.
- Ginger has been used medicinally for centuries to aid digestion, combat nausea, and relieve arthritis pain, among other uses.
But if you rely on gari for gastrointestinal relief, you may want to reconsider where you get your sushi.
What is sushi with pickled ginger and how does it taste?
According to sushi custom, pickled ginger (known as ‘gari’ in Japanese) is used as a palate cleanser during a meal, typically between sushi courses consisting of different types of fish so that you can distinguish between the flavors.
Is pickled ginger a cleanser for the palate?
According to sushi custom, pickled ginger (known as ‘gari’ in Japanese) is used as a palate cleanser during a meal, typically between sushi courses consisting of different types of fish so that you can distinguish between the flavors.2 How does ginger aid in palate cleansing?