Is Wasabi Only in London?

By Anna Duncan

If you’re a fan of Japanese cuisine, you’ve probably heard of wasabi. This pungent, green paste is often served with sushi and sashimi as a condiment. But is wasabi only found in London?

What is Wasabi?

Before answering that question, let’s first understand what wasabi is. Wasabi is a root vegetable that belongs to the same family as horseradish and mustard. It has a sharp, spicy flavor and produces a tingling sensation in the nose when eaten.

Traditionally, wasabi is grated into a paste and served alongside sushi and sashimi dishes. It’s also used as a flavoring agent in other Japanese dishes such as soba noodles and tempura.

Is Wasabi Only Found in London?

Contrary to popular belief, wasabi is not only found in London. In fact, the vast majority of wasabi consumed worldwide is not even real wasabi!

True wasabi (Wasabia japonica) is notoriously difficult to cultivate and expensive to produce. As a result, most of the “wasabi” served in restaurants around the world is actually a mixture of horseradish, mustard powder, and food coloring.

However, there are some producers who have successfully cultivated real wasabi outside of Japan. These include countries such as New Zealand, Taiwan, and the United States.

So while London may be known for its high-end sushi restaurants that serve authentic wasabi paste made from real Wasabia japonica roots imported from Japan or grown locally using hydroponic methods – it’s not the only place where true wasabi can be found.

The Benefits of Consuming Wasabi

Regardless of whether you’re consuming true wasabi or a mixture of horseradish and mustard powder, there are several health benefits associated with consuming this spicy condiment.

Firstly, studies have shown that wasabi has powerful antibacterial properties that can help to prevent food poisoning. Additionally, wasabi contains high levels of antioxidants, which can help to protect against cancer and other diseases.

Finally, consuming wasabi may also help to improve digestion and reduce inflammation in the body.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while London may be known for its high-end sushi restaurants that serve authentic wasabi paste made from real Wasabia japonica roots imported from Japan or grown hydroponically – it’s not the only place where true wasabi can be found. Regardless of whether you’re consuming real wasabi or a mixture of horseradish and mustard powder, there are several health benefits associated with consuming this spicy condiment. So go ahead and add a dollop of wasabi to your next sushi roll – your taste buds (and your body) will thank you!