Wasabi (わさび（山葵）, originally 和佐比; Wasabia japonica or Eutrema japonica),[1] is a member of the Brassicaceae family, which includes cabbages, horseradish, and mustard. It is also called Japanese horseradish, [2] although it is not actually from the horseradish species of plants. Its root is used as a condiment and has an extremely strong flavor.
True wasabi and western wasabi
Wasabi is difficult to cultivate (see below), and that makes it quite
expensive. Due to its high cost, a common substitute is a mixture of horseradish, mustard,
and green food coloring. Outside of Japan, it is rare to find real
wasabi plants. Often packages are labeled as wasabi, but the ingredients
do not actually include wasabi plant. Although the taste is similar
between wasabi and horseradish, they are easily distinguished. In Japan,
horseradish is referred to as seiyō wasabi (西洋わさび?, "western wasabi").[7] In the United States, true wasabi is generally found only at specialty grocers and high-end restaurants.[8]
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