Wasabi -what is this wonder?!

Before you cringe, no we’re not talking about that awful song ‘Wasabi’ by that one hit wonder ‘Lee’ someone who successfully got the lyrics stuck in our heads in the early 2000’s #blocksears. We’re talking about that gorgeous green paste that gives your sashimi a kick of nostril tingling heat! But what exactly is this intriguing fiery green paste and where exactly did it come from?
Well, REAL wasabi (yes there’s a imitation wasabi out there that’s probably fooled you, well get into this a bit further down) is a paste ground from a herb that is native to Japan. The plant species Wasabi Japonica is in the same family as mustard and horseradish and gets its distinct spicy taste from the root of this plant family. Wasabi gets right up into your sinuses in the most spectacular way and the beautiful burn is short and sweet which ignites the senses in the most delightful way. #pleasurepain

So if this is the real wasabi then who’s the faker out there tricking us all? And why is there a trickster version probably fooling most of us at our local sushi train? As it turns out, real wasabi is quite pricey costing up to around $100 per half a kilo or so! Traditional Japanese sushi restaurants who serve up the real deal will often grate the wasabi root fresh just before serving into a creamy paste, as wasabi actually loses its scent within minutes of being grated which is why many restaurants serve up the fake stuff often referred to as ‘Western Wasabi’. Real Wasabi plants release spicy vapours when grated unlike other chilli peppers which get their spice from their characteristic oil capsaicin, which is yet another element that makes wasabi truly unique to both palette and scent.

So exactly what is this trickster wasabi we’re most likely being served at our sushi local? Its most likely made by combining horseradish, mustard and food colouring. As Wasabi is quite similar to horseradish, this faker actually makes a pretty decent substitute to the real deal – although it’s been said that authentic wasabi has a smoother taste and is tricky to grow and cultivate hence the hefty price tag. Commonly, Wasabi paste is either used by dipping the ends of your chopsticks right into it before taking a bite of sushi or sashimi for a hint of spice … or for the more adventurous type, it can be mixed into soy sauce to create a fiery condiment that packs a punch and makes your tastebuds do a flamboyant fire dance.

Who loves wasabi? We sure do! Try some with your next sashimi dish and see just how much this gorgeous green paste can change up the flavour of a dish in a hot fiery second!