Wasabi, also known as Japanese horseradish, is a pungent, greenish root vegetable native to Japan. It belongs to the Brassicaceae family, which includes mustard and cabbage. The root has a strong, spicy flavor and is typically grated and used as a condiment, especially with sushi and sashimi. True wasabi is prized for its distinct taste, which is both fiery and refreshing, and it has a unique heat that quickly dissipates. However, many commercially available "wasabi" products are made from horseradish, mustard, and food coloring due to the difficulty of cultivating true wasabi.
Image by wirestock on Freepik