Home » Archives » 11. June 2007
The Raw Truth: The Zen of Fish by Trevor Corson
June 11, 2007
I am an avid fan of the science behind everyday things. It is because the truth is that the seemingly simple systems that run through our lives aren't that simple at all. There is always a story behind everything. For example, just ordering in McDonalds has tons of material for intriguing drama. For starters, The cashier might be jubilantly pleasant to you because she will be the next day. Another story can be on why there is a Green Apple Float available in the menu now. It raises questions such as "Why Green Apple?", "Whose idea was it?" and "Were there arguements over other flavors?". These questions maybe silly but can be quite interesting if just told right.
This brings me to a book I found out about through the New York Times called The Zen of Fish: The Story of Sushi, From Samurai to Supermarket by author Trevor Corson. I haven't read the book yet but I was able to get a good impression of it through its website. It looks like a delicious find for those who are looking for some human interest behind the mundane or for those who simply love sushi like me. Like the how sushi is presented, Trevor Corson writes about his topic with aesthetic presentation through wit and quirky facts that leaves you with literary flavour. Thus, I will definitely be hounding National Bookstore more about this book.
I will report more about this as I browse through his website.
Below are some raw facts about sushi from his website:
• Sushi traditionalists say the fish should never be raw—nor should it be completely fresh.
• Sushi aficionados never look at a menu, seldom use chopsticks, and avoid soy sauce and extra wasabi.
• Today’s sushi began as a type of fast food—the 19th-century Japanese equivalent of a McDonald’s drive-thru.
• The word “sushi” doesn’t refer to fish at all—it refers to rice that has been seasoned with vinegar, sugar, and salt.
• In the original form of sushi, the rice was left to rot until it smelled like vomit.
Find out more facts through the link below:
Book Website: The Zen of Fish



