Makisu

Makisu (巻き簾 ) is a mat woven from bamboo and cotton string that is used in food preparation in Japan. Most commonly, it is used in the creation of sushi rolls.

Usage

In the preparation of sushi, the makisu is used to shape and tighten the roll. The sushi ingredients are placed on a sheet of nori (seaweed), which is then placed on the makisu. The mat is then rolled, applying even pressure to shape the sushi roll. The makisu can also be used in the preparation of other rolled foods, such as omelettes.

Construction

The makisu is typically constructed from thin, flat slats of bamboo that are woven together with cotton string. The bamboo slats are flexible, allowing the mat to be rolled and unrolled easily. The cotton string is resistant to water, which is important as the makisu is often used with wet ingredients.

Variations

There are several variations of the makisu, including the hoso-makisu (thin rolling mat) and futo-makisu (thick rolling mat). The hoso-makisu is used for making thin sushi rolls, while the futo-makisu is used for making thicker rolls.

Care and Maintenance

After use, the makisu should be cleaned with a damp cloth and left to dry. It should not be left in water for extended periods of time, as this can cause the bamboo to warp and the cotton string to rot.

See Also

• Sushi
• Japanese cuisine
• Bamboo