Although nothing is perfect in this imperfect world, veggie sushi comes really close. On a hot Hawaii day when you don’t want to cook more than a pot of rice and want something filling and nutritious, sushi is all you need! The rice is comforting and filling. The veggies are hydrating and healthy. The seaweed brings vitamins and minerals, plus the taste of the ocean. All in a cute and convenient hand roll or chopstick-sized bite. Add shoyu, wasabi, and ginger…as they say, “Sushi time, feeling fine!”
Let’s take some time to honor sushi on International Sushi Day, celebrated annually on June 18th. Early sushi was first documented in China around the 4th century. The origins of sushi eating in Japan are less certain, but it is known that the dish evolved in many ways over the centuries. Sushi didn’t gain popularity in America until the 1950s. The first authentic sushi bar opened in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, in 1966. It is believed that the common inside-out rolls, with the nori in the middle and a layer of rice on the outside, were developed to hide the seaweed because it was unusual and unappealing to Americans.
Well, sushi has come a long way from those days. It would be a real challenge to find someone who’s not familiar with sushi now. At Down to Earth, we have been spreading the good news about plant-based diets since 1977. Does that mean we have to miss out on ‘ono, broke da mouth sushi? No way!
Sushi rolls made with rice, vegetables, nori, and maybe some tofu leave nothing to be desired. Our delis serve it in a variety of ways; with avocado, cucumber, mock-shrimp, crunchy tempura, a rainbow of veggies, and a touch of creamy, spicy sauce (not available at all locations). That’s the fun of sushi—you can be creative, add what you like, and get rolling. As Jiro Ono, considered by many to be the greatest living sushi craftsman, has said, “Sushi is an art, and I'm the artist."
Check out a few of our recipes below to inspire your veggie sushi adventures at home. Grab your ingredients at your local Down to Earth, personalize your sushi filling, and enjoy. Sushi is the perfect picnic and beach snack, and ideal for sharing with friends. Get creative and add some of these bite-sized pieces of aloha to your life!