🍚 Ha Zushi/Leaf Rapped Sushi

"Hazushi" is a type of sushi wrapped in leaves of Aburagiri (Tung tree), a deciduous tall tree belonging to the Theaceae family. Aburagiri is originally from China and was cultivated south of the Yangtze River. Due to its seeds, known as "korobi," yielding tung oil (kiri-abura), the cultivation of Aburagiri was encouraged in Japan. Tung oil was valuable and used for various purposes, including lamp oil, water repellent for Japanese umbrellas, and as a raw material for candles. Especially in the Obama region, Aburagiri cultivation was thriving. By the late 17th century, it was cultivated in almost every village, and by the late 19th century, it boasted the highest production volume nationwide. The leaves of Aburagiri have a greasy surface, making rice less likely to stick to them and imparting a distinctive aroma. Due to its excellent preservability, the leaves were ideal for wrapping sushi, earning them the local nickname "sushi no happa" or "sushi leaves," and were planted in many households as a way to prolong the freshness of sushi. This tradition persists today, and you can still observe Aburagiri trees in gardens and fields, reflecting the wisdom of past generations in preserving sushi for as long as possible.