Wasabi

Wasabi (わさび（山葵）, earlier 和佐比; Eutrema japonicum/"Wasabia japonica") is a plant of the Brassicaceae family, which includes cabbages, horseradish, and mustard. It is also called Japanese horseradish, although horseradish is a different plant (which is generally used as a substitute for wasabi, due to the scarcity of the wasabi plant). Its stem is used as a condiment and has an extremely strong pungency more akin to hot mustard than the capsaicin in a chili pepper, producing vapours that stimulate the nasal passages more than the tongue. The plant grows naturally along stream beds in mountain river valleys in Japan. The two main cultivars in the marketplace are E. japonicum 'Daruma' and 'Mazuma', but there are many others. The origin of Wasabi cuisine has been clarified from the oldest historical records, It takes its rise in Nara prefecture.

Uses

Wasabi is generally sold either as a stem, which must be very finely grated before use, as dried powder in large quantities, or as a ready-to-use paste in tubes similar to travel toothpaste tubes. Because it grows mostly submerged, it is a common misconception to refer to the part used for wasabi as a root or sometimes even a rhizome: it is in fact the stem of the plant, with the characteristic leaf scar where old leaves fell off or were collected.

Wasabi (disambiguation)

Wasabi (Latin name Wasabia japonica) is also called Japanese horseradish.

Wasabi may also refer to:

In arts and entertainment

Characters

Films

Music

In computing

In other uses

See also

Wasabi (song)

"Wasabi" is a song written by Barbara Hannan, Adrian Hannan, Tommy Rando and Emma Graham, produced by Adrian Hannan for Lee Harding's debut album What's Wrong with This Picture?.

Harding's debut single is a double A-side featuring "Wasabi" and Lee's version of "Eye of the Tiger" (originally by Survivor).

Track listing

Chart performance

The single debuted at #1 in the Australian ARIA Singles Chart in December 2005, and remained at the top spot for five consecutive weeks. It was certified gold in the first week, and certified platinum in the second week. The song was popular on the Hot 30 Countdown, reaching number one on several occasions.

The music video was voted number 63 in the Video Hits Australia Top 100 Video Clips. The song placed eighth in the End of Year ARIA Singles Top 100 of 2006.

The video was number 4 in MAX music's World's Worst Ever Video countdown in 2008.

See also

References