Wasabi Nutrition facts

Wasabi root is one of the traditional accompaniments to prepare several dishes unique to Japanese cuisine. If you have visited a Japanese sushi bar, you most likely be served an eye-catching, light green condiment paste that when consumed would result in feeling like a gush of volcano eruption hitting through the nasal passages sending your olfactory senses wobbling!

It is a small, perennial plant in the Cruciferous (brassica) or mustard of family plants native to Japan. Some of the close relatives of this root in the same family are mustard, horseradish, cabbage, cauliflower, etc.

Scientific name: Wasabia japonica.

Wasabi root with a shark-skin grater.
Photo courtesy: t-mizo.

Wasabi is a small herb growing about 2 feet tall from the soil surface and features broad, heart-shaped leaves. Its cultivation necessitates suitable soil and environmental conditions to flourish. Only a few geographical areas are suited for its growth. In the wild, it grows near natural springs flowing through wooded forest areas. Fed by clear Abe river streams flooding the mountain terraces, Utougi in Shizuoka prefecture in Japan is considered the perfect place for its cultivation.

W. Japonica root.

In general, rootlets from the old wasabi rhizome are re-implanted again for the new crop in the field. After about 18 to 24 months after plantation, its underground fleshy rhizome can be ready for harvesting. Its root measures about 4 to 8 inches in length and about 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter.

The Outer surface is knobby and green. Although all parts of the wasabi plant, including its leaves, flowers, and petioles can be edible, it is the rhizome (root) that commands a high price in the markets worldwide.

Health Benefits of Wasabi

Wasabi root and plant parts contain many noteworthy plant-derived chemical compounds that are known to have disease-preventing and health-promoting properties.
Root wasabi has been in use since ancient times in Japan for its antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. Traditionally, the Japanese use it to safeguard their food and to kill harmful foodborne bacteria, particularly in raw fish (sashimi) dishes.
Likewise horseradish, W. japonica root also contains many volatile phytochemical compounds, which give a much-famed biting character. However, wasabi carries many volatile sulfur-containing organic compounds at a higher proportion than horseradish root, chiefly allyl isothiocyanate, which gives its famed pungent character. Some of the other major constituents in the rhizome are 3-butenyl isothiocyanate and phenyl ethyl isothiocyanate.. It has scientifically been found that allyl isothiocyanate has anti-mutagenic and anti-cancer properties.
A research study suggests that leaf extract of W. japonica relieved oxidative stress induced by Helicobacter pylori infection and stress loading in Mongolian Gerbils.
Also, some of the volatile phytochemical compounds in this root stimulate salivary, gastric, and intestinal digestive enzyme secretion, and thereby facilitate smooth digestion.
It is an excellent source of vitamin C. At 41.9 mg per 100 g of this vitamin; it possesses nearly twice the amount that in horseradish (24.9 mg/100 g) Vitamin C is a powerful water-soluble antioxidant. It helps scavenge harmful free radicals from the body and may help protect it from cancers, inflammation, infections, etc.
Wasabi, in fact, is a very good source of minerals such as potassium, manganese, iron, copper, calcium (128 mg/100 g), and magnesium. Potassium (568 mg per 100 g) is an important component of cell and body fluids that helps regulate heart rate and blood pressure. The human body uses manganese as a cofactor for the powerful antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase.
Also, the rhizome has average levels of essential vitamins such as folate, vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine), riboflavin, niacin, and pantothenic acid.

See the table below for in depth analysis of nutrients:

Wasabi root, raw, Nutrition value per 100 g. (Source: USDA National Nutrient data base)

Principle	Nutrient value	Percent of RDA
Energy	109 cal	5.5%
Carbohydrates	23.54 g	18%
Protein	4.80 g	8.5%
Total Fat	0.63 g	3%
Cholesterol	0 mg	0%
Dietary Fiber	23.54 g	62%
Vitamins
Folates	18 µg	4.5%
Niacin	0.743 mg	4.5%
Pantothenic acid	0.203 mg	4%
Pyridoxine	0.274 mg	21%
Riboflavin	0.114 mg	9%
Thiamin	0.131 mg	11%
Vitamin A	35 IU	1%
Vitamin C	41.9 mg	70%
Electrolytes
Sodium	17 mg	1%
Potassium	568 mg	12%
Minerals
Calcium	128 mg	13%
Copper	0.155 mg	17%
Iron	1.03 mg	13%
Magnesium	69 mg	17%
Manganese	0.126 mg	5%
Phosphorus	80 mg	11%
Zinc	1.62 mg	15%
Phyto-nutrients
Carotene-ß	21 µg	--
Crypto-xanthin-ß	0 µg	--
Lutein-zeaxanthin	0 µg	--

Selection and storage

Fresh wasabi stems are rare ingredients outside of Japan. A renewed interest has been gathering strength in the cultivation and awareness regarding the health-promoting properties of this rhizome across the world. In Japan too, only a small number of restaurants serve wasabi dishes, and not much aware of the fact that the green paste (sauce) on the sashimi is not wasabi but actually a colored horseradish and mustard paste. The fresh root is available only from the selected farmer's markets in and around Shizuoka prefecture in Japan.

If you find wasabi in your neighborhood's markets, buy fresh, firm rhizome, preferably with the top greens attached. Avoid slump roots.

At home, keep the whole fresh, as well as the unused portion of the rhizome in the refrigerator where it can keep well for about 2-3 weeks. As in other roots like radish, severe top greens from the root soon at home. Wasabi leaves and stalks, however, should be used quite early.

Preparation and serving methods

Before use, scrub fresh rhizomes thoroughly in cold running water to remove surface dirt and soil. Peeling of the skin may not be required. Just trim any protruding knobs on the surface.

Wasabi roots are one of the most sought-after ingredients in Japanese cooking. Although its leaves and petioles are a part of the cuisine, it is its green rhizome, which is actually the jewel in the crown!

Wasabi paste

As in horseradish, the pungency and hotness of wasabi may not be appreciable in the whole root. However, crushing and mincing its rhizome releases the volatile allyl-isothiocyanate compound that can cause irritation to the eyes, skin, mucosa of the nose, and throat. Vinegar or citric acid neutralizes pungency and stabilizes its flavor. In practice, it should be grated fresh to serve in the dishes. Fresh rhizome grated traditionally on a sharkskin grater in a circular motion to prepare a fine paste. In order to appreciate its profound flavor, freshly prepared wasabi is served after about 4-5 minutes after its preparation.

Like in many other spices, wasabi also loses its flavor quickly due to the evaporation of essential oils. In order to keep the fragrance and flavor intact, it is generally mashed just before preparing dishes.

Wasabi-paste on sashimi.

Here are some serving methods:

Wasabi icecream!

Traditionally, freshly grated wasabi, as a paste, is served on sashimi.
As in horseradish, this root too used in many preparations, including dips, dressings, salads, and sauces as an accompaniment to meat, chicken, and seafood.
Fresh wasabi leaves and stalks can be can be used in pickling.
Add its paste to mayonnaise, and lemon juice to prepare a refreshing dip to be served with asparagus, snap peas, French beans, etc., and on grilled meats, seafood.
Prepare wasabi vinaigrette dressing to serve over salads.
Wasabi peas, wasabi paste coated green peas, are a popular snack. Wasabi-flavored chips are another great snack in Japan and Korea.

Safety profile

Allergic reactions to wasabi root are relatively rare. However, a few incidences of allergy to horseradish and W. japonica have been reported. It should be avoided in individuals who are intolerant of this root or its products.

As in horseradish, W. japonica also can cause irritation to skin, mucosa, and eyes. This is so because of the release of allyl sulfide gas (allyl-isothiocyanate) while chopping, crushing, or grating the root. During grating, disruption of the cell wall activates myrosinase enzyme, which when reacts with glucosinolates, produces allyl isothiocyanates. A dash of lemon citrus or vinegar can check this reaction and stabilize the flavor. Its effect can be minimized by using a blender/mixer in a well-ventilated place and wearing protective gloves and a mask. (Medical disclaimer).

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