Wasabia Japonica

Wasabia japonica is a native plant of Japan. It is used in traditional Japanese cuisine, especially integrated with raw fish and noodle dishes to provide a hot taste and a burst of zingy flavour. The wasabi farmers in Japan grow the crop in soil for leaves and the petioles and flooded gravel beds to produce whole plants and large stems known as wasabi rhizomes.   Wasabi japonica, also called Japanese horseradish, is a member of the mustard family (Brassicaceae) and the wasabi paste is made by grating the wasabi rhizome. Wasabi plants are native to Japan; they can be found growing in South Korea, Sakhalin and Russia.  However, since real wasabi is expensive and scares, most Western restaurants use a mixture of horseradish, mustard and green food dye as the wasabi paste. The wasabi rhizomes, sometimes referred to as wasabi root, can take over two years to mature and the plant can grow to a height up to 65 cm.  The large heart-shaped leaves protrude out on long petioles.  Also, during the growing cycle, the wasabi plants form clusters of white flowers with four petals arranged in a cross shape. The prized rhizomes can grow up to a diameter of 3 cm and can be found in their natural habitat along the mountain streams of Japan.  Wasabi likes to grow in the shade, especially under the trees. However, wasabi is grown commercially in the Shizuoka prefecture, the Izu Peninsula, and Japan’s Iwate and Nagano prefectures.  Today, wasabi is cultivated in China, Korea, Taiwan, New Zealand, the United States, England and Northern Ireland.

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A Guide to Planting Wasabi in Your Garden

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Planting wasabi in a shaded garden spot, showing hands preparing the soil with tools and placing a wasabi plant in the ground.

Planting wasabi in your garden can be immensely satisfying, yet it demands diligence and meticulous care, given that wasabi is a delicate plant. Wasabi (Wasabia japonica), a perennial native to Japan, is famed for its pungent, green rhizome, which is used predominantly as a condiment in sushi and various Japanese dishes. Choosing the right location

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Wasabi Condiment: From Traditional Roots to Global Culinary Sensation

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Wasabi Condiment made from fresh Wasabia Japonica from Stream to Sushi

The wasabi condiment, often mistaken as merely used for sushi, has a rich history and myriad health benefits far beyond its initial culinary use. This article explores the origins, cultivation methods, culinary applications, and health benefits of wasabia, offering a comprehensive exploration of this unique Japanese herb. Introduction to Wasabi Originating from Japan’s lush, mountainous

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Everything you need to know about Fresh Wasabi

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wasabi superfood fresh wasabi rhizomes

At Wasabi Crop, we ensure that each wasabi rhizome, known as wasabi root, is trimmed and fresh. Once we receive an order, we harvest the rhizomes and vacuum pack them for freshness.  When you receive your wasabi rhizome, please remove it from the vacuum packaging and rinse it well under cold running water.  Next, wrap

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Wasabi and Ginger Ice Cream: A Fusion of Bold Flavours

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Elegant presentation of wasabi and ginger ice cream in a dessert bowl, garnished with mint and honey, surrounded by slices of ginger and wasabi.

In the eclectic world of desserts, the quest for unique flavours often leads to astonishing combinations. Wasabi and ginger ice cream represent such an innovation, melding the piquancy of wasabi with the zesty warmth of ginger into a creamy delight. This dessert defies conventional expectations, offering a sophisticated balance of heat, sweetness, and creaminess that’s

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Wasabi Chocolate Truffles: A Fusion of Bold Flavours

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A kitchen scene showcasing the making of wasabi chocolate truffles with dark chocolate ganache, wasabi paste, and truffles dusted with cocoa powder on a marble countertop, hinting at a fusion of culinary traditions.

In the world of confectionery, the quest for the next uniquely delightful flavour pairing never ceases. Among the myriad of experiments, one particular fusion stands out for its audacity and unexpected harmony: Wasabi Chocolate Truffles. This innovative sweet treat marries the intense richness of dark chocolate with the fiery kick of wasabi paste, creating a

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Wasabi Bloody Mary: A Spirited Twist on a Classic Cocktail

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Wasabi Bloody Mary cocktail, featuring a tall glass with red tomato-based drink, garnished with celery and lemon, surrounded by fresh ingredients and natural light.

The Bloody Mary, a timeless cocktail revered for its savoury complexity and revitalising qualities, has been a staple of brunch menus and cocktail parties worldwide. Its rich history and versatility have made it a canvas for countless variations, each offering a unique take on this classic concoction. Among these, the Wasabi Bloody Mary stands out,

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Growing Wasabi in Polytunnels at Wasabi Crop

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wasabi growing in the polytunnel in Northern Ireland

Wasabi Crop has embarked on an ambitious journey to cultivate authentic wasabi in the heart of Northern Ireland, a feat many might have thought improbable given the plant’s notorious difficulty growing outside its native Japan. However, through innovative agricultural practices and the utilisation of polytunnels, Wasabi Crop has succeeded in this endeavour and set a

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The Evolution of Hydroponics: A Revolutionary Journey in Agriculture

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This article explores the fascinating history of hydroponics, a method of growing plants without soil, which utilises nutrient-rich water solutions instead. From its ancient beginnings to modern-day advancements, hydroponics has revolutionised the way we cultivate crops, offering sustainable solutions to contemporary agricultural challenges. This journey through time highlights the milestones and innovations that have shaped

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