What is Wasabi?
Wasabi is a favorite condiment of many sushi eaters. There are actually two kinds of wasabi: true wasabi, made fresh from the wasabi root, and the more common form of wasabi, made from a combination of mustard and horseradish. So why the distinction? Find out in today’s blog!
Wonderful Mouth-Watering Wasabi
Wasabi is a root in the same family as horseradish and mustard, which is why it’s easy to approximate the taste of wasabi using a combination of its family members. The reason this is much more common is that wasabi is very rare. It’s grown mainly in Japan and is notoriously difficult to grow and harvest, making it very expensive.
Another reason for the rarity of real wasabi is its short shelf life. If you were to take a bite into a wasabi root, you might be surprised to find that it’s more bitter than hot. The heat comes from the grating process. When grated, wasabi cells release hot vapors, and the grated wasabi is very hot, for about 5 minutes. After about 5 minutes, fresh grated wasabi starts to lose its pungent heat and flavor. This is why in restaurants in Japan, wasabi is grated fresh and added to dishes right before they are served.
So, most of the wasabi you’ve consumed was probably not the real thing. But in terms of the chemical components of the flavor, wasabi and horseradish are exactly the same, making one a good substitute for the other. Just be careful not to put too much on your sushi!
Catonsville Gourmet: The Best Fresh Seafood in the Baltimore Area
Catonsville Gourmet is the perfect destination for fresh seafood, from crabmeat to rockfish to today’s fresh catch, in the Baltimore area. We offer the freshest seafood, delectable prepared foods, gourmet products and a unique dining experience.
Catonsville Gourmet’s goal is to offer impeccably fresh seafood, angus beef, delectable prepared foods, gourmet products and a unique dining experience close to home.
If you have any questions, please contact Catonsville Gourmet by calling 410-788-0005 or visit our website today! You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and Pinterest.
Location: 829 Frederick Rd. Catonsville, MD. 21228
Sources
http://www.kinjirushi.co.jp/english/wasabi.html
http://www.thedailymeal.com/what-is-wasabi