ninety seven

i tried real wasabi for the first time tonight. i had no idea the "wasabi" normally served in american japanese restaurants was not, in fact, real.

that fake wasabi is made from american horseradish, chinese mustard, and green coloring. it's often mixed in soy sauce by unknowing americans. it has a very instantly hot kick which then fades but seems to hang around burning your throat for a while.

real wasabi is actually a plant that's difficult to grow, therefore rare. it has both spicy and sweet layers, and as such is not overly hot and felt more in the sinuses. the more complex flavor lingers a bit but is not overwhelming. it should not under any circumstances be mixed with soy sauce, and is only meant to enhance the flavor of the fish, rather than add spice.