Wasabi

Although often compared to horseradish, wasabi is, in fact, an unrelated herb. In Japan it grows wild near freshwater streams, but it is also cultivated widely. Although part of the plant is used as food, it is the green root that is grated and eaten with sushi and sashimi, when it is sometimes mixed with soy sauce. Most of the so-called wasabi, in powder or paste form, is actually dyed horseradish. If buying it, ask for hon (real) wasabi. Wasabi in tubes is the most often used for Japanese cooking and can be found in most Asian stores and large supermarkets.