Wasabi, often called “Japanese horseradish,” is a bright green, pungent spice traditionally used in Japanese cuisine. It’s derived from the root of the Wasabia japonica plant, which is native to Japan and thrives in cool, shaded mountain streams. Fresh wasabi is prized for its sharp, clean heat and unique, complex flavour that doesn’t linger as long as chili pepper heat. Instead, it creates a distinctive, brief “spicy kick” primarily in the nasal passages, rather than the tongue.

Fresh wasabi is rare and can be expensive due to the plant’s specific growing requirements. Most commercially available wasabi outside Japan is actually a blend of horseradish, mustard, and green food colouring, which mimics the flavour and colour of real wasabi but lacks its subtleties. Real wasabi has a more delicate, herbaceous taste and is often appreciated for its freshness and nuanced heat.

In Japanese cuisine, wasabi is most famously served with sushi and sashimi, where it complements the freshness of raw fish. Traditionally, a small amount of wasabi is placed between the fish and the rice to add a burst of flavour that doesn’t overpower the natural taste of the fish. Wasabi is also commonly blended with soy sauce as a dipping sauce, although purists may avoid this to preserve the distinct taste of both the soy and wasabi.

Wasabi’s applications go beyond sushi. It’s used in dressings, sauces, and marinades to add a spicy, refreshing element to various dishes. Wasabi mayonnaise is popular in fusion dishes, and wasabi-flavoured snacks, like peas and chips, have gained international popularity. Chefs also incorporate wasabi in desserts like ice cream and chocolate to create a surprising contrast between heat and sweetness.

Besides its culinary uses, wasabi is rich in antioxidants and has antibacterial properties, which may aid in digestion. However, true wasabi remains a luxury ingredient due to its limited availability. As a result, it’s commonly substituted with horseradish-based products, which offer similar spice but lack the refined flavour profile of authentic wasabi. Despite this, wasabi in all its forms remains a beloved spice, essential in Japanese cuisine and celebrated worldwide for its unique, refreshing heat.

This is such a beautiful spice to use especially the Wasabi Mayonnaise!