A tatami is a type of straw mat.
Tatami is a term whose origins are in the Japanese language . It is a surface on which various martial arts are practiced and certain activities are carried out in Japanese houses.
The tatami is a mat that is usually made from straw , although currently there are also tatami mats made from synthetic materials . The traditional design of Japanese homes contemplates various precepts when arranging tatami mats in an environment .
Characteristics of a traditional tatami
The traditional tatami of Japan is characterized by the following characteristics:
- It is made with rice straw that is then covered with another natural product such as bamboo igusa.
- If it was so present in many homes, and continues to be in others, it is because the tatami of this type not only provides warmth but also a pleasant feeling of comfort along with the necessary hardness .
Numerous companies, both in Japan and abroad, are dedicated to the manufacture of tatami mats. In order to ensure the health and safety of their customers, companies offer guarantees that their products have a health certificate that certifies that the rice straw and bamboo used do not contain bacteria or microorganisms of any kind.
The tatami is used in the tea ceremony and in various martial arts.
Different uses
Initially, the tatami was an accessory found in the homes of families with better economic status, since it allowed the earth floor to be covered. Over time its use expanded and acquired other characteristics. The tea ceremony , for example, is performed on a tatami.
Tatami mats also earned a place in martial arts. Sports such as karate and judo are usually practiced on a tatami: competitors therefore step on its surface while fighting.
The iwashi tatami
Tatami iwashi , on the other hand, is a gastronomic preparation made with sardines (a type of fish ). Its preparation involves drying the sardines in the sun and then intertwining them together, forming a kind of leaf.
Once the iwashi tatami is assembled, it can be cut and used in different dishes . It is possible to use the iwashi tatami as an appetizer or inside soups, to name a few possibilities.
Tatami iwashi is also considered sakana : an accompaniment to alcoholic beverages such as sake . In this sense, the product fulfills a similar role to Spanish tapas.
It is worth highlighting several interesting facts about this dish:
- It receives its name tatami because it aesthetically resembles the aforementioned rice straw rugs from Japan .
- It can be cut into different sizes.
- It is one of the most common appetizers offered in Japanese restaurants to accompany a beer.
A Spanish restaurant
In the same way, we cannot fail to mention that Tatami is also the name of a Japanese restaurant in the Spanish city of Santander .
This establishment was named this way because diners enjoy their meals while sitting or lying on the classic straw rugs.