Makisu
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MakisuMats.Japan.jpg
In Japanese cooking, a makisu (巻す) is a mat woven from bamboo and cotton string that is used in food preparation. Makisu are mostly commonly used to make a kind of rolled sushi called makizushi (巻き寿司), but they are also used to shape other soft foods such as omelets, and to squeeze excess liquid out of food.
A makisu is usually 25cm x 25cm, although this may vary. There are two variations, one with thick bamboo strips and the other with thin. Experts consider the thick mat more versatile, while the thin mat is designed specifically for makizushi.
After use, a makisu should be thoroughly air dried to avoid the growth of bacteria and fungi. Some cooks also cover the makisu with plastic film to reduce the cleaning effort after use. This is especially necessary for producing uramaki (裏巻) (うらまき), a kind of maki sushi (巻き寿司) with the rice on the outside of the roll.