【Reading】てっしん

【English Name】Tetsushin

Tesshin is a sushi term referring to a defect in rolled sushi (makizushi) where the filling does not reach the center, leaving a core packed firmly with rice alone. On the cut surface, a white lump of rice appears in the middle, while the filling looks pushed toward the outer edge. The name comes from the hard center forming like an iron core (tetsu = iron, shin = core). Causes include too much vinegared rice, misplaced filling, or uneven pressure on the rolling mat (makisu). Skilled artisans prevent it by spreading the rice thinly and evenly and placing the topping (neta) precisely in the center. The beauty of the cross-section and uniformity of texture are regarded as benchmarks of a chef's skill with rolled sushi.