wasabi

Wasabi (山葵) is a Japanese plant and the spicy paste made from its grated rhizome, or underground stem. It is best known as a condiment served with sushi, sashimi, soba, and other Japanese dishes. The plant is native to Japan and is hard to grow well, which is one reason real wasabi is expensive and less common outside Japan.

Its heat is different from the heat of chili peppers. Instead of lingering on the tongue, it rises quickly into the nose and then fades fast. That gives it a clean, sharp feeling rather than a long burn. Real wasabi can also taste a little fresh, sweet, and plant-like, not just hot.

Many products sold as wasabi, especially outside Japan, are actually made from horseradish, mustard, and green coloring. In everyday English, though, the word can refer to either the true plant or the common paste served with food. Real wasabi is often grated fresh just before serving because its flavor and smell are delicate and fade quickly.

Sometimes people also use the word in a loose, playful way to describe something with a sudden strong kick, but that use is uncommon. Most of the time, "wasabi" simply means the green, nose-tingling condiment linked with Japanese cooking.