Wasabi

Guide Note

The root of the wasabi plant is used as a spice often used in preparing sushi. The wasabi plant grows naturally in Japan along stream beds and in river valleys but is also cultivated. There are very few wasabi producers worldwide so the supply is limited and the price will often vary.

The wasabi root has a very strong flavor that resembles hot mustard. If buying the wasabi root it must be finely grated before using. You can also buy wasabi in a tube much like that of toothpaste tubes. You can also eat the leaves of the wasabi plant. They can be pickled and eaten as a salad or battered and deep fried. The leaves of the wasabi plant contain some of the hot flavor of the roots. You can also purchase imitation wasabi since the real wasabi is expensive and sometimes hard to come by.

Fast Facts

1. It comes in a powdered or paste form
2. Fresh wasabi grated from the plant root is the most pure form
3. Wasabi roots can cost $70 to $100 per pound
4. Select only fresh shriveled roots