The Secrets of Wasabi
Posted by Supal on April 26, 2011 in Condiments, Featured, Photos, Recipes, Reviews, Snacks
Tags: health benefits, wasabi, wasabi dip, wasabi root
This post is by Eat With Me contributor Supal.
Longing to get some sushi? Next time, have a little more wasabi! Wasabi has been grown in the fertile mountain valleys and consumed in Japan for hundreds of years. Yes, this means longer than your local sushi restaurant! As much as I hate that feeling of eating too much of it in one bite, I like to think of it as an opportunity to stock up on some important vitamins.
Wasabi, also known as Japanese horseradish is often used a condiment for sushi and sashimi. The strong flavor and zest is similar to hot mustard, where it stimulates the nasal passages rather than numbing your entire mouth.
Wasabi in its original form is a root, which is then finely grated. Once grated, however, the condiment tends to lose flavor in 15 minutes. Thus, real wasabi cannot be made ahead of time.
As most herbs and spices, wasabi has a few solid health benefits. So eating a little extra sushi won’t hurt. Wasabi is rich in isothiocyanates, which is the same chemical found in broccoli and cabbage that is considered to prevent the development of cancer cells. Additionally, research proves that wasabi undermines inflammation of the body associated with diseases, arthritis, allergic reactions, heart disease and stroke.
I know what you’re thinking. Going out to buy some wasabi? Beware, wasabi-in-a-tube is made of Western horseradish, mustard and green food coloring. Try a local Asian market to find some fresh wasabi or the original root to make your own! And if you don’t eat sushi often, try this wasabi dip, perfect for vegetables and pretzels.
Wasabi Dip
Ingredients:
8 oz sour cream
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon wasabi
1 garlic clove, minced
Salt to taste
Directions:
Mix ingredients and serve chilled.
Great article, Supal – I love wasabi but have never really looked into its history or health benefits. We really appreciate your contributions.