Hangiri facts for kids
A hangiri (also called a sushi oke) is a special wooden tub used in Japanese cooking. It's round with a flat bottom, and its main job is to help prepare rice for delicious sushi. Imagine a small wooden barrel, but wider and shallower!
Traditional hangiri are made from a type of wood called cypress. They are held together with two strong copper bands. These tubs come in different sizes, from about 30 centimeters (about 1 foot) wide for home use, up to 1 meter (about 3 feet) wide for busy restaurants.
How a Hangiri Helps Make Sushi
The hangiri is used in the final steps of making sushi rice. After the rice is cooked, it's carefully moved into the hangiri.
A special wooden paddle called a shamoji is used to mix the rice. A dressing made of rice vinegar, sugar, and salt is poured over the warm rice. The shamoji helps to gently toss and mix everything together.
This mixing process helps the rice cool down evenly. It also makes sure every grain of rice gets coated with the tasty dressing. Once the mixing is done, the hangiri is covered with a cloth called a fukin. This helps the rice cool down perfectly before it's used to make sushi rolls or nigiri.
Why Hangiri Are Special
Hangiri are very important for making great sushi rice. The wood helps to absorb extra moisture from the rice, which makes the rice perfectly sticky and shiny. It also helps the rice cool down quickly and evenly.
Because they are made from special wood and crafted carefully, a hangiri can sometimes cost more than a fancy metal cooking pot. They are a valuable tool for any sushi chef!
See also
In Spanish: Hangiri para niños
