Wasabi

This well known condiment is most famous in the form of a green paste served alongside sashimi (raw seafood) and sushi. However, wasabi can be served with many other kinds of food, as its unique, pungent taste complements certain food very well. However, this unique taste will be lost if subject to too much heat.

Wasabi is available in three forms: fresh, powdered or paste. Fresh wasabi is obtained by grating the root of the wasabi plant in circular motions. Powdered wasabi is derived from horseradish, and does not contain the authentic colour or taste of the wasabi plant. This is a cheaper alternative and has to be mixed with water into a paste before consumption. Wasabi paste comes in a tube and may be made from the wasabi plant or horseradish, and it usually contains green colouring.