Sushi and Sashimi: Wasabi

In America sushi is often served with a condiment called wasabi—a pungent green paste that tastes like very hot horseradish. In many cases, it is just regular horseradish, sharpened with mustard and tinted green with food coloring. This imitation wasabi is sold in powder form, to be mixed with water, or as ready-made paste. True wasabi (Wasabia japonica) is an Asian root that is difficult to grow and therefore expensive; outside of Japan, it can be found only in specialty stores and the more upscale sushi bars. The root is peeled and then grated as needed; true wasabi loses its flavor very quickly.