Odunmorayo Oke
Eating raw food is a practice that goes beyond the latest food trends. It is a culinary practice that has deep roots in traditions across the globe.
Essentially, raw foods are foods that are eaten uncooked or have not been cooked enough. Food is considered raw when it has not been heated above a certain temperature, typically around 104–118°F (40–48°C).
Also, having a diet of raw foods is termed raw food veganism, with a rotation of unprocessed, plant-based foods.
In this article, we shall look at an array of raw foods that are cherished and consumed in their natural state across different nations.
1. Sashimi – Japan
In Japan, sashimi is a traditional dish that consists of thinly sliced raw seafood or fish. It is often served with wasabi, soy sauce, and pickled ginger. This fish is usually tuna, salmon, yellowtail or mackerel. More adventurous food lovers go for fugu (pufferfish), or uni (sea urchin).
Furthermore, it goes through meticulous preparation because it is to be served fresh without losing its natural flavour and texture.
In addition, sashimi is often paired with a side dish of white radish and a small amount of seaweed. Doing this helps to enhance the overall taste and experience while maintaining the purity and freshness of the raw fish.
2. Carpaccio – Italy
Another food served raw is Italy’s carpaccio. It is a celebrated dish that consists of thinly sliced raw beef, meat or fish.
People serve the meat as an appetiser, drizzling it with lemon juice and olive oil, and seasoning it with salt and pepper. Also, they also garnish it with shaved Parmesan cheese, capers, arugula, and onions.
Moreover, the simplicity of the ingredients allows the raw beef to be enjoyed. Chefs invented the dish in Venice in the 1950s, and it has become a classic in Italian cuisine.
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3. Kitfo – Ethiopia
The third dish on our list is Ethiopia’s kitfo. It is a meal made from finely minced raw beef, seasoned with a blend of spices and a special butter known as niter kibbeh. Essentially, the beef is often marinated in mitmita, a spicy chili pepper, other times includes spices and herbs for added flavour.
Furthermore, this dish is served with injera, a sourdough flatbread, together with ayib, a mild Ethiopian cheese, and gomen, sautéed greens.
The niter kibbeh butter, usually spicy and rich, paired with the fresh beef creates a flavourful dish.
4. Kimchi – Korea
A break from raw meat and fish is Korea’s famous kimchi. Natives and K-drama fans enjoy kimchi, which is made from fermented vegetables, mostly cabbage and radishes. People season it with different spices and ingredients like chili pepper, ginger, garlic, and fish sauce.
Before consumption, Kimchi goes through a fermentation process. This process is a preservation method that enhances the flavours of the vegetables and spices before it is consumed. In addition, kimchi is known for being rich in probiotics and incredibly beneficial for gut health. It is a great addition to one’s diet.
Likewise, kimchi can be eaten on its own or as a side dish.
5. Ceviche – Peru
A beloved traditional dish in Peru, ceviche is made from raw fish that is marinated in juices from lemon or lime. The acidic juices then “cook” the fish by giving it a firm texture and almost transparent appearance. This doesn’t make the fish lose its raw, fresh quality.
People usually cut ceviche into bite-sized chunks and season it with onions, cilantro, and chili pepper. On top of this, they garnish it with sweet potatoes, lettuce, and corn. Finally, they sometimes add garlic, ginger, and a bit of salt to the citrus juice to give it an even more delicious flavour.
