Wasabi

Wasabi  (Wasabia)

Wasabi (Wasabia) is a sharp spice used in the Japanese kitchen and mainly in fish dishes. The Wasabi we buy in the supermarket is nearly always an imitation of the real one. The real Wasabi is prepared from the fat root of Wasabia japonica and has a much more subtle taste than the imitation ones. The stems and leaves of Wasabi are also used in the kitchen. They add a bit of a kick to salads. In our climate Wasabi is not fully hardy, so cover the plants with a layer of leaves in winter or grow them in a large, at least 15 litre, pot. Wasabi likes the half shade and ensure enough moisture and food. A nice neighbour plant is Red-veined Dock (Rumex).