Wasabi

Buy Wasabi Online at Nishikidôri

At Nishikidôri, you can purchase authentic japanese wasabi online. Our products are made from genuine Japanese wasabi, with pure wasabi pastes that bring out the intense flavors of this exceptional ingredient. Perfect for fans of Japanese cuisine, our wasabi-based products allow you to experience the rich tastes of Japan once again.

What is Wasabi ?

Native to Japan, wasabi is a root vegetable from the horseradish family, cherished for its unique flavor and numerous health benefits. About 80–90% of wasabi production is concentrated in the Shizuoka prefecture, where nearly 800 families rely on its cultivation. This is due to the specific natural conditions required for wasabi to thrive: natural streams, freshwater sources, and cool mountainsides. Water temperatures must remain constant between 10 and 16°C throughout the year.

Known scientifically as Wasabia japonica, this iconic Japanese spice naturally grows in the mountainous regions of Japan. It has been cultivated for centuries and is famous for its pungent taste and medicinal properties. Japanese farmers masterfully cultivate this delicate plant, which requires specific soil and temperature conditions to flourish.

A staple condiment for sashimi and nigiri sushi, true wasabi is made by grating the plant's root. It has a light, fruity aroma and a sharp spiciness that hits the nose directly.

What Does Wasabi Taste Like?

Wasabi’s flavor is often described as intense, pungent, and aromatic. Its aroma is herbaceous, floral, and slightly earthy. The sharp heat rises quickly through the nose, giving way to a mild sweetness. The rich umami flavor adds depth and balance, making wasabi’s taste truly unique.

Is Wasabi a Chili?

Wasabi is not a chili in the traditional sense. While chili peppers are the fruits of various plant species, wasabi is a rhizome plant. Its sharpness comes from compounds released when the root is grated.

How Is Wasabi Made?

Wasabi is traditionally made from the root of the Wasabia japonica plant. It grows on sandy terraces along mountainsides with soft, natural water. The entire wasabi terrace is harvested at once, with seeds from the harvested plants replanted in free terraces for the next cycle. It takes 12 months for wasabi to fully mature and develop its flavor.

The soil used is sandy, mineral-rich, and perfectly drained, while the water is soft and free of limestone. These terraces are naturally nutrient-dense. After each harvest, the sand is cleaned with high-pressure water to remove mud, silt, and sediments. The terrace is left to rest for a week before reuse.

Wasabi requires plenty of sunlight to grow.

Today, many alternatives to authentic wasabi appear on dining tables, made from ingredients such as horseradish, mustard, and food coloring. These substitutes, however, cannot compare to the taste, texture, and aroma of fresh wasabi.

What Are the Health Benefits of Wasabi?

Wasabi is a condiment with many health benefits. Rich in nutrients, it contains high levels of vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system and protects against illness. Wasabi also supports digestive and cardiovascular health thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

How to Eat Wasabi

All parts of the wasabi plant are edible, including the leaves, stems, root, and flowers.

Traditionally, fresh wasabi is served with sushi and sashimi, enhancing flavors with its sharp kick. Wasabi pairs wonderfully with red meats and fatty cuts of pork. It’s also excellent for flavoring mayonnaise, crème fraîche, vinaigrettes, and even chocolate. Its sharp flavor and creamy texture make it a versatile and essential ingredient in both Japanese and Western cuisine.

Where to Buy Real Wasabi

Nishikidôri offers fresh wasabi annually. Throughout the year, you can find our wasabi pastes, oils, vinaigrettes, wasabi-flavored seeds, and many other Japanese products. Discover the authentic taste of Japan with our exceptional wasabi products.