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Real Wasabi

 
Real Wasabi
wasabi in dish
photo credit: tequi
Wasabi is a rhizomes similar in flavor and heat to horseradish. Fresh grated or dried reconstituted wasabi is used as a condiment with sushi, sashimi as well as other Japanese noodle dishes. Learn about real wasabi the condiment popular with sushi lovers. Learn what it is, how to use, where to buy.
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Published by: Gourmet Sleuth

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What You've Had Was Probably Not The Real Thing. Most all wasabi served in the U.S. is not wasabi at all but a powder made from dried horseradish, food coloring and dry mustard. Japanese restaurants found that fresh wasabi was not preferred by Americans so the horseradish mixture has become the standard.

History Of Wasabi

It is believed that Wasabi was first used where it was found growing wild in Japan's valleys of Mt. Heike, Mt. Mizuo, and Mt. Bahun. The locals gathered wild Wasabi to use as a condiment with slices of raw yamame (a kind of trout), and raw venison. In addition to use as a flavoring the stems and leaves of Wasabi were pickled and eaten as a vegetable. Today wasabi is still one of the most important condiments in Japanese cuisine.

The Flavor Of Real Wasabi

Wasabi is quite strong when it is first grated but the heat diminishes as the wasabi is exposed to air. Dried, powdered wasabi is also available but just like its fresh counterpart it is hard to find and quite expensive.

More Wasabi Uses & Storage Tips

  • Add a tablespoon to your favorite mashed potato recipe
  • Splash a few drops on fresh, washed salad greens
  • Drizzle over fresh steamed vegetables like asparagus
  • Add to a simple vinaigrette

How To Store Fresh Wasabi

If you are fortunate enough to buy fresh wasabi you'll want to store it properly.  Rinse rhizomes under fresh clear water and wrap in damp paper towels. Store in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator and replace with fresh damp paper toweling every couple of days.  Rhizomes can be stored for at least 2 weeks.

sharkskin wasabi graterThe Traditional Wasabi Grater

The traditional wasbi grater has a wooden form faced with real sharkskin.  To use, fresh wasabi rhizomes are grated along the sharkskin face to form a smooth paste. These graters have become very hard to find and are fairly expensive.

Alternately you can purchase inexpensive aluminum versions as well as more expensive copper wasabi graters.  These graters can also be used for grating the fibrous ginger root.

 

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