Wasabi originally  Eutrema japonicum is a plant of the Brassicaceae family, which includes cabbages, horseradish, and mustard. It is also called Japanese horseradish, although horseradish is a different plant (which is often used as a substitute for wasabi). Its stem is used as a condiment and has an extremely strong pungency. Its hotness is more akin to that of a hot mustard than that of the capsaicin in a chili pepper, producing vapours that stimulate the nasal passages more than the tongue. The plant grows naturally along stream beds in mountain river valleys in Japan. The two main cultivars in the marketplace are E. japonicum 'Daruma' and 'Mazuma', but there are many others. Wasabi is generally sold either as a stem, which must be very finely grated before use, as dried powder in large quantities, or as a ready-to-use paste in tubes similar to travel toothpaste tubes. Because it grows mostly submerged, it is a common misconception to refer to the part used for wasabi as a root or sometimes even a rhizome: it is in fact the stem of the plant, with the characteristic leaf scar where old leaves fell off or were collected.

In some high-end restaurants, the paste is prepared when the customer orders, and is made using a grater to grate the stem; once the paste is prepared, it loses flavour in 15 minutes if left uncovered.

Fresh wasabi leaves can be eaten, having the spicy flavour of wasabi stems.

Legumes (peanuts, soybeans, or peas) may be roasted or fried, then coated with wasabi powder mixed with sugar, salt, or oil and eaten as a crunchy snack.

Health benefits

The health benefits of wasabi include providing a reduced risk of cancer and heart disease, as well as anti-inflammatory properties for joints and muscles. It also helps to defend against bacterial infections in the body and mouth, and can even reduce the irritating effects of seasonal allergies. This potent plant can be used to treat respiratory problems, and wasabi’s wealth of antioxidants helps to boost the immune system and can aid in removing harmful toxins from the body.

Antimicrobial Properties: Wasabi contains antimicrobial agents which are useful for eliminating bacteria. The Isothiocynates vapours prevent the growth of various strains of bacteria, yeast and mould. Another one, Sawa Wasabi combined with ITCs blocks Helicobacter pylori. This ability to eliminate bacteria makes it an excellent meal best prepared together with raw fish. Remember raw fish has propensity to attract bacteria during preparation due to the fact that it is eaten raw.

Anti-inflammatory properties: Wasabi paste is an important anti-inflammatory agent as it helps eliminate inflammation in sores, injuries among others. This is despite the fact it is claimed to cause inflammation in the nasal passageways, leading to congestion.

Anti-Cancer Properties: It is associated with foods such as broccoli and cabbage, which have chemicals that improve liver health. The Isothiocynates or ITCs act to block enzymes that lead to pre-carcinogenic compounds to change into carcinogenic ones, known as Phase I enzymes. The chemicals enable the liver to better neutralize some highly toxic substances that travel throughout the body, leading to cancer. Wasabi reduces the risks of your developing cancer at a later stage in life.

Cardiovascular Health : Due to its ability to block platelet aggregation, wasabi helps to reduce chances of heart attack and stroke. Wasabi works by stopping on time, platelets from sticking together, which can be potentially fatal.

Wasabi and Arthritis: Diet rich in wasabi has anti-inflammatory properties which offer relief from aching joints. It helps inhibit inflammatory pathways which lead to inflammation. In particular is the action of isothiocynates in wasabi which also prevent inflammatory bowel disease as well as asthma.

Prevention of Cavities: Wasabi helps in getting rid your mouth of the obnoxious cavities which cause you regular visits to your dentist. The bacteria responsible for this are the streptococcus mutans. Some studies conducted have shown that wasabi inhibits the growth of the said bacteria in the mouth due to the presence of the chemical compound isothiocynates. Isothiocynates prevent sugars from sticking on the teeth, which lead to cavities.

Natural Sanitizer: Wasabi has the ability to fight E.coli and staphylococcus as well as destroying pylori bacteria. This is because of its anti-bacterial action.

Detoxifying Effects: Wasabi is a natural detoxifier as it helps the liver to get rid of toxins and carcinogens. Its photochemical help get rid of toxic compounds stored in the liver’s fatty tissues.

Low calorie Food: Wasabi prepared with peas makes a great low-calorie food which is suitable for those seeking to lose weight. It is therefore a suitable substitute for other snacks such as chips which are high calorie snacks.

Boosts Digestion: Wasabi peas are perfect food for the intestinal tract as it gets rid of harmful toxins from the body. This has the effect of reducing the possibility of suffering from diverticulitis .it is also rich in fibres.