Wasabi
Real, fresh wasabi is very different from the green paste that usually comes with sushi. That paste is often made mainly of horseradish, mustard, starch, and food coloring. Real wasabi comes from the Wasabia japonica (Eutrema japonicum) plant, which we grow with great care in our Dutch greenhouses. The fresh rhizome (a type of ‘rootstock’) is finely grated into a light green paste with a fresh, complex flavor and a characteristic, spicy kick. The leaves, leaf stalks, and flowers of the wasabi plant are also edible and available from us. Our wasabi is harvested to order, carefully packaged, and shipped.
Wasabi is at the heart of Dutch Wasabi. We are the first and only company in the Netherlands—and one of the few in Europe—to grow our own fresh wasabi in the Westland region of the Netherlands. It is a very challenging crop and takes about 18 months to produce a harvestable rhizome. It was precisely this challenge that sparked our curiosity and drew our attention. In addition, wasabi has a rich cultural and culinary background that we’re eager to share and bring to life. We also sell wasabi from Japan to business customers.
Our fresh Dutch wasabi is already a favorite among many leading chefs throughout Europe. In high-end traditional Japanese sushi, sashimi, and soba restaurants, authentic, freshly grated wasabi is an essential part of the preparation and dining experience. Grate the wasabi just before serving using a fine wasabi grater. Grating brings out its characteristic heat, which is strongest shortly after grating. Fresh wasabi is a classic accompaniment to sushi, sashimi, and soba, but it’s much more versatile than that. Use it, for example, in dressings, sauces, and butter—or even in desserts. In addition to its heat, fresh wasabi has a delicious flavor.