Green Onion Shoots (Menegi)

芽ネギ

Menegi are very thin onions with a diameter of only a few millimeters, but are 6-10 cm long, harvested right after the onions have started to sprout. The shoots are bundled and prepared on sushi rice, then held in place with a seaweed belt. It is an excellent palate cleanser after eating fatty sushi toppings. As a condiment, it can also completely change the perception of the umami of fish, just by adding a few sprigs on top.  It also goes will with miso soup.  The word is that long ago it was a common dish at all sushi restaurants, but there are very few sushi restaurants that prepare it these days.