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.

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