what is a wasabi?

Wasabi (Japanese: 山葵 (originally written 和佐比) ; Wasabia japonica, Cochlearia wasabi, or Eutrema japonica) is a member of the cabbage family. Known as Japanese horseradish, its root is used as a spice and has an extremely strong flavor. Its hotness is more akin to that of a hot mustard than a chile pepper, producing vapors that burn the sinus cavity rather than the tongue. The plant grows naturally along stream beds in mountain river valleys in Japan. There are also other species used, such as W. koreana, and W. tetsuigi. The two main cultivars in the marketplace are W. japonica var. Duruma and Mazuma, but there are many others.

2006-09-11 04:11:16 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋

WHICH ONE?

Wasabi can refer to:

Wasabi, the plant Wasabi japonica, also called Japanese horseradish
Wasabi (software), an application framework and GUI toolkit
Wasabi (film)
Wasabi/Eye of the Tiger, a song by Lee Harding
Wasabi, a character from the Sinfest comic strip
Wasabi (programming language), a programming language language created by Fog Creek Software

2006-09-11 04:20:36 · answer #2 · answered by Jeff J 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋

wasabi is green fire!! I moved to Japan years ago and was determined to try everything - there was a glob of it on my plate, and before anyone could stop me I popped the whole thing in my mouth - got about 3 chews into it before the pain hit - thought I was gonna die!! The waiter must have seen what I did, he was right there with a big bowl of rice and made me eat most of it to help put out the fire. Needless to say, I've been more cautious ever since...

2006-09-11 04:16:53 · answer #3 · answered by woodlands127 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋

Wasabi is an extremely potent horseradishy relish (a bit like mustard), served in Japanese restaurants.

2006-09-11 05:09:22 · answer #4 · answered by kpbunches 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋

As above, and you don't ask what is a wasabi, you just ask what is wasabi

2006-09-11 04:15:41 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋

Used to think it was an animal from australia !
But no - it's a japanese green paste that tastes like a very hot horseradish

2006-09-13 02:39:46 · answer #6 · answered by judy j 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋

a spicy root

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wasabi

2006-09-11 09:02:03 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋

A Japanese hot sauce in green paste

2006-09-11 04:11:49 · answer #8 · answered by smashguy912 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋

Its a japanese horseradish paste. The color it's green and it as a v. spicy pungent flavor + smell.

2006-09-11 04:13:57 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋

japanese version of "chilli"

green in colour, and have to be taken with caution cos you can choke on just a little bit and the 'hotnesst' can goes up from your mouth right to your head.

2006-09-11 04:12:49 · answer #10 · answered by ash 7 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋

17 answers