A lot of people know about Wasabi as it is one of the popular plants known not just in Japanese cuisine and medicine, but its popularity has spread throughout Asia and Europe. The industry may not be so wide-ranged like plant services and tree removal Charlotte NC might be, but it surely produces good income as Wasabi is considered to be one of the expensive condiments you can even have in your dish, found in only 5% in the Japanese food, the only prominent place where Wasabi is grown.
What is Wasabi?
This plant is native to Japan and has been used for centuries as medicine, food, and condiment. Its properties, as well as its sharp, pungent taste, also provides its signature taste when added to foods as a condiment. The following are the facts you need to know about Wasabi.
1.It is medicinal
This plant has been used in the past hundred years ago as medicine for different illnesses. It is also has been used to prevent food poisoning and other diseases that might be present in the food, especially raw meat. This has some scientific explanation, as the plant has allyl isothiocyanate, which is strong enough to be used as a natural insecticide that is able to kill bugs. Also, it contains anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and stomach-calming properties.
2.It is not horseradish
Although it comes from a family of radish, the two are completely different. It is a cruciferous plant similar to a radish, mustard, and cabbage that is also known for its sharp and spicy flavor as well as their pungent smell.
3.It is limited
The plant is native to Japan but it is still not easy to cultivate in the said country. In fact, it needs a perfectly moist, cool environment and it is needed to be growing in stream beds and die when it is exposed to direct sunlight. This is why it is difficult to grow Wasabi.
4.it is expensive
Because the plant is difficult to grow, there is a growing demand, and the scarcity is what makes the plant so expensive. This is good news for those who want to are capable of growing the plants, but unfortunate for those who want to consume it. It is said that one kilogram of Wasabi can cost a wholesale price of $160.
5.It is versatile
The plant is mostly known for its roots that contain the flavor, and medicinal value. However, the whole plant can be cooked and used for different purposes. The stem and leaves can be sautéed, or make as an appetizer.
6.It is healthy
The Wasabi plant contains a rich percentage of vitamin C, protein, and calcium and is known to be able to combat, if not treat, different diseases and illnesses like asthma.
The takeaway
While Wasabi us very popular, it is also scarce to the point that it has become a very expensive price. Due to this, there are a lot of imitations that have popped out in the market, so it is better to keep an open eye for this.
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