The Proper Deportment for Sushi
The socially correct rules of eating sushi

A properly served plate of sushi often resembles a piece of art.

Wasabi, which is green, is made from a vegetable in the cabbage family, Eutrema wasabi. The roots of the herb are ground to make the powerful concoction, sometimes referred to as " Japanese horseradish." Be careful with this stuff – it will clear out your sinuses – just like horseradish does. It is actually proper to tell the chef if you want extra Wasabi, and he'll mix it into your sushi for you. Today, however, it has become acceptable to ask for some Wasabi on the side. If you do this, place a very small dollop of it on your sushi, and, again, eat the entire bite at once.

Something you should try is to add a tiny bit of Wasabi to your soy and mix it thoroughly. For this mixing process, you can use a utensil such as chopsticks or silverware. It really adds a nice kick to the soy or teriyaki.

If you have difficulty dipping your sushi because it falls apart, especially nigiri sushi, try turning it over and dipping the fish side, or dipping an edge instead of the large side. Don't be shy about getting your fingers into the liquid – that's okay. The idea is to get the sushi just right. You can squeeze it gently to help it stay together until it's in your mouth.

You'll likely get some very thinly sliced pieces of fresh ginger with your sushi. Though many people use this as an added flavor, it is actually provided as a pallet clearing food. You are supposed to eat a very tiny bit of it when you switch between sushi dishes. This clears your pallet for the new flavor sensations and subtleties. Much the way Americans have used sorbet for many years.

You can also clear your pallet nicely with the green tea that is customarily served with sushi. Also, if you find that you don't enjoy sushi, there are usually some cooked dishes available in American establishments that serve sushi.

Sake is a rice wine. Like all wines, it comes in many 'grades.' While Americans like to drink their alcoholic beverages with their meals, Sake is most properly consumed prior to the sushi. The same is true with Japanese beer – or any other alcoholic drink. It is considered that the alcohol will inhibit your ability to enjoy the more subtle flavor combinations created by the sushi chef.

Sushi is something that people usually, particularly Americans, 'develop' a taste for. Also, there are many, many sushi delights to try. Some popular ones are: California Roll; Philadelphia Roll; Caterpillar Roll; Dragon Roll; Rainbow Roll. And remember that each of these change their flavors significantly when you add Wasabi, or when dipped into soy, teriyaki.

You're probably not going to do all the things listed in this article, and that's just fine. In fact, if you practice true sushi etiquette here in the United States, you'll probably get some strange looks. But before you throw all of the rules of sushi etiquette out the window, consider this. These rules were born out of a passion for this Japanese delicacy. If you use your fingers, and place each piece into your mouth as a whole, you'll absolutely notice the difference in the flavor.

Most importantly, enjoy your sushi – with good friends.

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