Fresh Wasabi Rhizomes
Our fresh wasabi rhizomes sometimes known as wasabi root are grown in rich organic soil in County Armagh on the island of Ireland. These mazuma rhizomes take over 2 years to grow to reach maturity and are individually harvested to order and vacuum packed. On receipt of your rhizome, please remove from the vacuum pack and wash under the tap with cold running water. Then wrap the rhizome in a damp cheesecloth – which is provided – and place in the fridge until further use.
The fresh wasabi rhizomes can be stored for up to 28 days in the fridge.
Any sushi expert will tell you that real wasabi rhizomes are hard to source due to their rarity. However, at the Wasabi Crop Shop, you can order a 50 g, 70 g or 100 g rhizome.
Actually real fresh Wasabi is grated by a sushi chef in front of you.
Wasabi is central to Japanese cuisines and has been used for many centuries. It proper names is Wasabia japonica and is sometimes referred to as Japanese horseradish.
Interestingly, Wasabi is mentioned in the Honzowaymo, Japans’ oldest botanical dictionary compiled in the year 918. This book references how Wasabi is used for many medicinal purposes and that Wasabi rhizomes possess anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. These anti-bacterial properties are a complement to raw fish and meat.
Making the fresh wasabi paste
The fresh wasabi rhizome is finely grated using a sharkskin grater or a stainless steel grater which can be purchased from the Wasabi Crop Shop. During the grating process, the internal structures of the rhizome begin to break down and initiate an enzyme reaction that produces the wasabi kick. This gives an aromatic, fresh flavoured pungency with a natural sweetness.
In the classic sense, fresh Wasabi complements dishes served with sushi and sashimi. However, this unique ingredient ensures Wasabi can bring flavour in the form of dressings, sauces, sorbets and freshly grated will accompany any meat or fish.
Wasabi rhizomes can be stored in the fridge for 28 days by wrapping them in a damp cheesecloth and rinsing in cold water every 2-3 days to obtain the maximum shelf life.
If you are keen to grow wasabi root, you can buy a wasabi plant from the Wasabi Crop Shop.
If you want to store leftover grated wasabi just wrap the paste-up in cling film and place in the freezer. When you are ready to use, allow it to defrost, mix and serve.
Consequently, whole rhizomes do not freeze well as they lose flavour and pungency.
Enjoy grated Wasabi – providing new foods for your table!
