We also know that wasabi was used medicinally at this time. The Archaeological Institute of Kashihara, Nara Prefecture, which investigated wooden strips used for writing found in the remains of Enchi garden pond in Asuka, Nara Prefecture, stated that, "the excavated wooden strips are anywhere from eight to 30 cm long, and contain names of plants that are likely wasabi or medicinal plants, as well as the names of administrative institutions that managed the garden.
It is the oldest known such strip in Japan. It includes indentations on the top and bottom, and was likely used as a label on a container for storing wasabi. Wooden strips used for writing, excavated from an herb garden dating back to the Asuka period.
The word "wasabi" can be found in "Honzo Wamyo," Japan's oldest encyclopedia of medicinal plants. This also tells us that wasabi was used medicinally at this time. The "Engishiki," Japan's oldest collection of laws and customs, also mentions wasabi, and we know that it was collected as a tax from states around the capital, such as Wakasa, Echizen, Tango, Tajima, and Inaba. Compared with real wasabi, fake wasabi can be zingy too, but not as clean in the mouth.
The spicy sensation of wasabi is derived from a chemical compound called allyl isothiocyanate , which is also present in mustard and horseradish. Real wasabi is traditionally prepared by running the root in circles over a flat grater that acts like sandpaper, finely shearing the root down into a fresh paste and unleashing the allyl isothiocyanate, making the wasabi spicy!
Thus, the spiciness of wasabi tends to go up the nose as opposed to the spice of cayenne or chili pepper. Not only is it a delicious accompaniment to sushi, but hon-wasabi is also full of vitamins and antioxidants , and offers a range of health benefits. Wasabi contains the main class of active compounds called isothiocyanates ITCs which give this root vegetable its range of health benefits, including antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Pretty neat, right? Some kind of superfood?! As only a small amount of hon-wasabi are used in imitation wasabi products, unfortunately, the health benefits are lost if you eat fake wasabi even if you consume a lot of it. If you are wondering how to tell the difference between real and fake wasabi , firstly check the texture of the wasabi paste.
When the wasabi is thick and pasty, that is a sign that it is fake wasabi from horseradish pureed to give a completely smooth texture. If the consistency is gritty from being freshly grated, then the more likely it is to be true wasabi from a wasabi plant stem.
Real wasabi is always served fresh because it loses its flavor and zinginess quickly once grated. For example, at a high-end sushi restaurant, the chefs will carefully grate the exact amount of wasabi to complement the sushi and balance the flavor of the fish. It is often placed in between the rice and the nigiri sushi topping to preserve it as best as possible.
Real wasabi is served up in the form of a crushed paste made from finely grating its plant stem. If you were wondering what wasabi is, now you know! Powdered wasabi. This is less expensive than the paste variety, but also less good.
Even then it still beats the fake wasabi. Wasabi rhizome which you have to grate yourself with a grater, preferably a shark skin paddle. This kind of wasabi is quite expensive and hard to find in physical stores. Luckily these days there are a few online stores that sell the real thing. If kept hydrated in the fridge you can store a wasabi rhizome for a month. What is the taste difference between real and fake wasabi? August 21, Basics , Sauces Spicy mayo. February 20, Basics , Japanese Preparations Dashi stock.
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