With the arrival of good weather, sitting down to enjoy some nigirsi or makis with a glass of rosé can be a very interesting plan. Even more so if you finish the feast by lighting up your favourite Cuban mini cigar, adding more flavour and aroma to your moment.
With the International Sushi Day on June 18 around the corner, we’d like to share some curiosities about the history of these globally desired small pieces.
To begin with, a very basic fact that many people are unaware of: although it is generally believed to have originated in Japan, sushi actually originated in China. It was in the 4th century BC, starting with the idea of fermenting fish with rice and salt, a method they called narezushi. And yes, that’s where its name comes from. This practice travelled to Japan, where the technique evolved and pieces that gave rise to modern sushi began to be cooked.
Sushi offers a diverse culinary experience, with a wide variety of presentations: nigiri with fish on compacted rice, maki with rice wrapped in seaweed, temaki in cone shape, and Californian uramaki. All of these allow for an intense experience of flavours and textures.
In 2010, Filipino chef Angelito Araneta Jr. created the most expensive sushi in the world: a nigiri valued at $2,000 with 24-karat gold leaf and African diamonds, recognized in the Guinness Book of World Records. When we say that small things can become extraordinary, we speak with grounds…
Now, imagine: an afternoon with friends, your cigarillo in hand, and all the flavours of a varied sushi platter. Two delights that share the capability to give us those special moments that only small things offer.
Another feature sushi and Cuban mini cigars have in common is the importance of high-quality raw materials. For sushi, freshness is key, so fresh and quality fish should always be opted for; in the case of Cuban mini cigars, their 100% dark Cuban tobacco from the best tobacco-growing areas of the island makes them a unique product.
And here’s another: did you know that Japanese astronaut Koichi Wakata had a feast of this dish in space? It was in 2006 at the International Space Station, where a meal featuring sushi as the main dish was celebrated, showing once again that this gastronomic specialty knows no borders.
On International Sushi Day, we suggest you accompany your favourite sushi dish with an exclusive Cohiba White Mini. And enjoy. Cheers to the small pleasures!
