saomai
06-09-2015, 11:25 PM
Are wasabi and horse radish the exact same thing?
No, they are not.
Wasabi is often incorrectly called Japanese horseradish, is among the most misunderstood yet integral aspect of the sushi experience.
Horseradish and wasabi are different plants. They don't even belong to the same genus. Horseradish is Armoracia rusticana. wasabi is Wasabi japonica, also known as Eutrema japonica. Anyone who has tasted real wasabi knows that it doesn't taste the same as horseradish. Another subtle clue is that wasabi is green; horseradish isn't.
Wasabi is a plant grown primarily in Japan with nascent horticulture now in the Pacific northwest of the US. The root (technically a rhizome) is ground and used in foods to add spiciness and flavor. It is a difficult plant to grow, requiring a rocky stream or riverbed and the proper mix of nutrients, and is therefore a somewhat rare commodity. Wasabi, traditionally reserved for sushi and noodles, is now being incorporated into a plethora of foods; however, 'wasabi' flavored items are not always actually wasabi flavored.
Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana, syn. Cochlearia armoracia) is a perennial plant of the Brassicaceae family, which includes mustard, wasabi, and cabbages. The plant is probably native to southeastern Europe and western Asia, but is popular around the world today. It grows up to 1.5 metres (five feet) tall and is mainly cultivated for its large white, tapered root.
The horseradish root itself has hardly any aroma. When cut or grated, however, enzymes from the damaged plant cells break down sinigrin (a glucosinolate) to produce allyl isothiocyanate (mustard oil), which irritates the sinuses and eyes. Once grated, if not used immediately or mixed in vinegar, the root darkens and loses its pungency and becomes unpleasantly bitter when exposed to air and heat.
Growing Horseradish
<iframe width="853" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1_8iYe2qDo8?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Preparing Horseradish + Funny Outtakes
<iframe width="640" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HrA22cj0H74?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
No, they are not.
Wasabi is often incorrectly called Japanese horseradish, is among the most misunderstood yet integral aspect of the sushi experience.
Horseradish and wasabi are different plants. They don't even belong to the same genus. Horseradish is Armoracia rusticana. wasabi is Wasabi japonica, also known as Eutrema japonica. Anyone who has tasted real wasabi knows that it doesn't taste the same as horseradish. Another subtle clue is that wasabi is green; horseradish isn't.
Wasabi is a plant grown primarily in Japan with nascent horticulture now in the Pacific northwest of the US. The root (technically a rhizome) is ground and used in foods to add spiciness and flavor. It is a difficult plant to grow, requiring a rocky stream or riverbed and the proper mix of nutrients, and is therefore a somewhat rare commodity. Wasabi, traditionally reserved for sushi and noodles, is now being incorporated into a plethora of foods; however, 'wasabi' flavored items are not always actually wasabi flavored.
Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana, syn. Cochlearia armoracia) is a perennial plant of the Brassicaceae family, which includes mustard, wasabi, and cabbages. The plant is probably native to southeastern Europe and western Asia, but is popular around the world today. It grows up to 1.5 metres (five feet) tall and is mainly cultivated for its large white, tapered root.
The horseradish root itself has hardly any aroma. When cut or grated, however, enzymes from the damaged plant cells break down sinigrin (a glucosinolate) to produce allyl isothiocyanate (mustard oil), which irritates the sinuses and eyes. Once grated, if not used immediately or mixed in vinegar, the root darkens and loses its pungency and becomes unpleasantly bitter when exposed to air and heat.
Growing Horseradish
<iframe width="853" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1_8iYe2qDo8?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Preparing Horseradish + Funny Outtakes
<iframe width="640" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HrA22cj0H74?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>