Edozushi

is a development upon the original Osaka sushi where Osaka's vinegared fish pressed into slabs of vinegared rice was replaced by the tradition of placing the freshest fish delicately atop vinegar rice balls.

Enter the samurai of Edo, the capital (now Tokyo). They lived by the seaside and knew what fresh fish tasted like. And to ensure that the fish was indeed fresh (none of the nonsense from the Osaka merchants please!), they demanded an adaptation of the Osaka dish that was starting to become popular. So instead of pickled fish pressed in a form, they insisted on little rice balls decorated with the freshest fish available. The vinegared rice, however, was kept. And so a famous dish'Edozushi, known throughout the world as sushi'was born.

edozushi, n.All

edozushi