What is Wasabi?
Wasabi, also called Japanese horseradish is a plant in the same family as broccoli and cabbage. The root of the wasabi is used as a flavoring that is most commonly associated with the green condiment served alongside sushi. The wasabi root is grated or ground. The root is a light bright green and so is the paste or powder. The flavor is hot and and is felt more in the sinuses than on the tongue. Wasabi has a cool heat that is less fiery than a chili pepper, but still intensely spicy. Much of the wasabi in the US is actually horseradish, due to limited supplies of the root.