What is Wasabi?

People think that wasabi is a form of horseradish or Japanese mustard. It is neither, though it is distantly related to the mustard green plant. It usually eats with sushi.

Wasabi (wasabia japonica) is a plant that grows almost exclusively in Asia. It became a sushi dressing in the mid-1800's when the sushi preparers noticed that people who took small amounts of wasabi did not get sick. It turns out that one of wasabi's best properties is killing parasites in the fish. Its delicate aroma and sweet undertones enhance the flavor of the fish with which it's eaten.

Studies in the United States and Japan confirm that wasabi inhibits microbes, prevents or aids treatment of blood clotting, asthma, and it's helpful with some forms of cancer (J. A. Depree, T.M. Howard & G.P. Savage, Food Research International Vol 31, No5, pp.329-337, 1999). At least one study indicates that it may also help prevent tooth decay (Hideki Masuda, Ph.D. 2000).

Good Japanese restaurants offer fresh wasabi; the best buy the plant and grind it in the premises. Most restaurants outside of Japan will give you horseradish with food colouring; ask for real wasabi and you will get it in most cases. Once you try the real thing, however, you will be able to discriminate its delicate flavor and benefit from its many properties. The image next to this paragraph shows the difference between fake and real wasabi. The real thing is noticeably "greener".

If you manage to get some real, fresh wasabi, it's probably OK for you to bring it to the sushi bar for the itamae to prepare it for you. The itamae will either produce a traditional wasabi grater made with shark skin, made of steel called oroshigane (like the one in the enclosed photo), or made of porcelain and called oroshiki. Both oroshigane and oroshiki have fine grating slots, and they are used for wasabi, daikon, or gari (ginger). If the opportunity arises, try fresh wasabi with your sushi. The good news is that you're in for a fantastic treat. The bad news is that at some point you'll end up eating crappy wasabi substitutes and you'll be able to tell the difference. (eugeneciurana)


See also : hanamasa, burger king