wasabi
Wasabi .
Apparently growing wasabi is rather expensive and difficult to do in most parts of the world. Even in Japan it looks like it is quite a hassle.
Finding fresh wasabi like this is pretty uncommon in most stores, but if you root around (pun intended), you can find it at some shops. These pictures were taken in Nagano last weekend. It looks like this vendor was selling quite a selection of different sizes. Ranging from small (300 yen for two) up to 2,500 yen for the largest.
I’m not quite sure of the type of wasabi, looks like there are about 18 different types of wasabi here in Japan, and I didn’t get a close enough look at the leaves to make a distinction!
I thought of buying some, but was kind of in a hurry… maybe next time!
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I always wondered what the green stuff in the tube looked like before it was tube-i-fied.
like horseradish… just smaller, and green! You can eat/use the leaves and stems to the leaves.. yummy! (and spicy!)
I’ve learned to enjoy Wasabi mixed with a little soy on suchi or fish dishes. I’ve also had the mind boggling sinus clearing effect when not paying attention and using too much wasabi… ha ha…
Maria
oh yes..! it will certainly clear them out!
I did that once when I was about 5 years old… just picked up the wad of wasabi and popped it in my mouth!
I would rather buy it in the tube I think – looks like a lot of work! Cath
oh… but it’s gooooooood.
grind it up on some sharkskin.. traditional sandpaper, if you will!
I’ll be sure to get some next time I’m out!
The first time I grated fresh wasabi was such an experience for me! I love those shark skin graters.
me too.. it was pretty cool!