【Reading】つつみずし

【English Name】Tsutsumi-zushi (Wrapped Sushi)

Tsutsumizushi is a general term for sushi in which vinegared rice and ingredients are wrapped in thin omelet, nori, kelp, perilla leaf, yuba, and the like. The leading example, "chakin-zushi," wraps the contents in a thin omelet drawn up like a drawstring pouch, tied with kanpyo (dried gourd strips) or mitsuba, and is used at celebratory gatherings and for outing bento. It also includes "kobu-maki-zushi" wrapped in kelp and regional sushi wrapped in persimmon leaf, magnolia leaf, bamboo leaf, and so on; across regions there are local sushi with enhanced preservability, such as Nara's kakinoha-zushi and Toyama's masu-zushi. It is characterized by the flavor of the ingredient's fragrance transferring to the vinegared rice, and by the dramatic effect of not being able to see the contents until it is opened.