Trip to Enjoy Sashimi

Understanding Sashimi: The Art Behind the Dish

Sashimi, often regarded as a cornerstone of Japanese culinary artistry, has its roots in centuries-old traditions. Its name originates from the Japanese word “sashi” (to pierce) and “mi” (body), which reflects its preparation method—thinly sliced raw fish or seafood, often served without rice. The cultural significance of sashimi extends beyond mere cuisine; it embodies the principles of simplicity and respect for nature within Japanese culture.

Traditionally, sashimi is crafted from a variety of fresh fish, with tuna, salmon, mackerel, and yellowtail being the most commonly used. A fundamental aspect of sashimi is its emphasis on freshness; the quality of the fish is paramount, as the dish is best enjoyed when the fish is at its peak, both in flavor and texture. This commitment to freshness drives chefs to source ingredients from local markets, often selecting ethically and sustainably sourced seafood.

The presentation of sashimi is another crucial element. Chefs skillfully arrange slices to create an aesthetically pleasing dish, often accompanied by garnishes like wasabi, pickled ginger, and shiso leaves. This careful attention to visual appeal is an integral part of the sashimi experience, highlighting the artistry involved in the dish's preparation. The technique of slicing is essential, as each cut can greatly influence the texture and flavor profile of the fish. Master chefs undergo years of training to perfect their skills in handling various fish types and employing precise cutting methods.

It is important to differentiate between sashimi and sushi, as many people often conflate the two. While sashimi consists solely of raw fish, sushi incorporates vinegared rice, which is used to complement various toppings, including sashimi. This distinction underlines the unique qualities and preparation styles inherent to each dish, ensuring that both can be appreciated as individual works of culinary art.

Hujan Deras Tak Selalu Membawa Teduh

 

Kompas.tv, Pagi itu hujan turun deras sejak subuh. Jalan tanah menuju sekolah berubah jadi aliran air cokelat. Anak-anak datang dengan baju seragam yang basah dan kaki penuh lumpur. Di ruang kelas kecil yang sudah lama tak direnovasi, atap bocor di beberapa titik. Tapi tak satu pun dari mereka pulang. Mereka tetap duduk, membuka buku, dan menyimak pelajaran yang diberikan dengan suara lembut oleh guru yang juga menggigil kedinginan.

 

Di Tengah Keterbatasan, Tumbuh Tekad yang Diam-Diam Kuat

 

Kami bertemu seorang anak laki-laki duduk paling depan, buku matematikanya basah setengah. Ia tetap menulis. Saat ditanya kenapa tak menaruh buku itu di tempat kering, ia menjawab, “Kalau ditaruh, nanti lupa.” Jawaban itu singkat, tapi menyimpan makna dalam: bahwa belajar bukan hanya tentang fasilitas, tapi tentang keberanian menjaga mimpi tetap hidup, bahkan ketika semuanya bocor dan rembes.

 

Tak Ada Jaringan Internet, Tapi Penuh Jalinan Harapan

 

Di sekolah ini tak ada akses Wi-Fi. Telepon genggam pun lebih banyak jadi jam tangan karena sinyal nyaris tak ada. Tapi saat kami berbincang dengan para guru, mereka bercerita tentang anak-anak yang tetap datang, bahkan saat libur, hanya untuk membaca buku yang sama berulang kali. “Mereka bilang, biar gak lupa cita-citanya,” ujar seorang guru. Dan dari situlah kami tahu: cita-cita bisa bertahan, bahkan tanpa sinyal dan media sosial.

 

Kamera Kami Merekam, Tapi Hati Kami Lebih Dulu Tersentuh

 

Kami tak datang membawa solusi. Tapi kami datang untuk merekam apa yang selama ini luput: bahwa di sudut negeri yang basah dan dingin, masih ada anak-anak yang tak menyerah. Kami percaya, cerita seperti ini tak butuh viral untuk layak didengar. Karena di balik atap yang bocor, kami temukan jiwa-jiwa kecil yang tetap membaca masa depan mereka—dengan cahaya kecil yang tak pernah padam.