【Reading】ささぎり

【English Name】Sasagiri

A decorative garnish used when arranging sushi or sashimi, which developed in sushi restaurants. Beyond being merely decorative, it serves to prevent flavors from transferring by being placed between pieces of sushi, and also has an antibacterial effect. Kumazasa (bamboo grass) is commonly used; when "haran" (aspidistra) is used, it is called "haran-giri." In addition to their antibacterial properties, "sasa-giri" and "haran-giri" have shapes suited for wrapping rice, and so have been used since the era of "narezushi" (fermented sushi), as can be inferred from "sasazushi" and similar dishes.