How old is sushi?

Sushi as we know it today, with vinegared rice and raw fish, is relatively young, dating back to the 19th century.

Here's a breakdown of sushi's history:

* Ancient origins: The concept of preserving fish with fermented rice (narezushi) dates back to 7th century Japan. This was a method of preservation, not a culinary dish.

* Edo period (1603-1868): Narezushi evolved into "nigirizushi", where vinegared rice was used as a base for topping with raw fish. This was a major shift towards the modern form of sushi.

* Late 19th century: The use of vinegar to make the rice tangy and flavorful became prevalent, creating the sushi we know today.

* 20th century: Sushi gained widespread popularity in Japan and later internationally.

So while the concept of preserving fish with rice has ancient roots, modern sushi as a culinary dish emerged in the 19th century.