Quck answer
Wasabi is a spicy green paste with a strong flavor commonly used in Japanese cuisine. It is made from the root of the Wasabia japonica plant, which is native to Japan. The root is grated into a paste and has a pungent taste similar to horseradish. Despite its popularity, most “wasabi” served in restaurants is actually a mixture of horseradish, mustard, and food coloring. True wasabi is difficult to cultivate and is expensive. It is typically served with sushi and sashimi, and adds a kick of heat and flavor to dishes.
When it’s time for dinner, what do you desire to see on the dinner table? Deep-fried chicken? Roast and potatoes? Pizza? Spaghetti and meatballs? How about uncooked fish, vegetables, and rice?
If you’re a fan of sushi, then uncooked fish, vegetables, and rice might be at the top of your preferences. Children and adults equally enjoy the various flavors of the Asian delicacy known as sushi.
If you’ve ever had sushi, then there’s a high possibility you’ve also tasted a spicy green paste that usually accompanies sushi. What are we referring to? Wasabi, obviously!
Wasabi tends to go with sushi like ketchup goes with French fries. However, it isn’t red and sweet. Instead, it’s a green paste that delivers a spicy, strong punch.
Authentic wasabi comes from the wasabi plant, recognized by different names such as Wasabia japonica and Eutrema wasabi. It grows naturally in cold, damp areas under tree cover, like natural springs and rivers in deep valleys in Japan. It’s uncommon to find wasabi plants outside Japan, although they have been discovered in locations like China, Taiwan, Korea, and New Zealand.
Unfortunately, it’s challenging to replicate the unique combination of conditions that wasabi plants thrive in. It can also take wasabi plants up to three years to reach maturity. As a result, many experts consider wasabi to be the most challenging plant to cultivate commercially.
This reality makes authentic wasabi expensive. A pound can cost around $100. A serving of authentic wasabi with your sushi can add $3-$5 to your bill.
To create authentic wasabi, the root-like stems (known as rhizomes) of the plant are grated with a circular motion. This process creates a green paste and releases isothiocyanates, which produce a hot vapor. Authentic wasabi must be served immediately after grating because it loses its spicy taste within 15-20 minutes.
If you’ve ever had authentic wasabi, you know that it’s hot, but it’s not hot like hot peppers, for instance. Instead of impacting the mouth, wasabi’s heat primarily affects the nose and nasal passages. Unlike the persistent heat of hot peppers, wasabi’s heat tends to dissipate quickly, leaving behind a lingering sweet aftertaste.
You may have noticed that we have been discussing “real” wasabi up until now. Is there such a thing as “fake” wasabi? Unfortunately, there is. In fact, most of the wasabi consumed in the United States is not made from real wasabi plants. Some experts estimate that only about 5% of the wasabi served in restaurants worldwide is real wasabi.
Because wasabi plants are so challenging to cultivate and authentic wasabi is so expensive as a result, most of the wasabi consumed in the U.S. and many other regions around the world is fake. What is it made of? Most fake wasabi is a mixture of horseradish powder, mustard powder, cornstarch, and green food coloring.
This combination of ingredients aims to imitate the taste and spiciness of authentic wasabi. In reality, it ends up being hotter and spicier, affecting the tongue and mouth instead of the nose. Authentic wasabi tends to be smoother and milder.
Give it a try
Are you ready to learn more about wasabi? Remember to explore the following activities with a friend or family member:
- If you want to explore the different types of wasabi, ask an adult friend or family member to take you on a trip to a local grocery store. Take a look at the aisles to see what kinds of wasabi are available. You can also search for other products that are flavored with wasabi, like wasabi peas. If possible, buy some wasabi to try at home.
- If you can’t find any wasabi at the store, why not make it yourself? You can learn how to make wasabi online, using either fresh wasabi or alternative ingredients. Make sure to ask an adult family member or friend to help you in the kitchen!
- Wasabi is often used as a condiment with sushi, similar to how ketchup is used with French fries. Think about other condiments that you use regularly. Check your refrigerator at home. You may find condiments like ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, soy sauce, barbecue sauce, and others. Which ones do you prefer? What foods do you like to eat them with?
Sources for Further Information
- http://agsyst.wsu.edu/wasabibroc.pdf
- http://www.fieryflavors.com/what-is-wasabi/
- https://www.reference.com/food/wasabi-made-c50f93f1095ad000
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