Sushi rice, known as shari or sumeshi in Japanese, is a short-grain rice specifically used for making sushi. It is characterized by its sticky texture, which helps the rice hold together when forming sushi rolls or nigiri. The rice is typically seasoned with a mixture of rice vinegar, sugar, and salt after cooking, giving it a slightly tangy flavor that complements the fresh ingredients used in sushi. To prepare sushi rice, the grains are rinsed to remove excess starch, then cooked until tender. Once cooked, the rice is cooled and seasoned, making it ready for use in various sushi dishes. The quality of sushi rice is crucial, as it forms the foundation of the overall sushi experience.