Not only are wasabi plants rare and costly, but wasabi paste also has a short shelf life. For these reasons, most wasabi served in sushi restaurants in the United States does not contain real wasabi.

What is wasabi? Wasabi is a spicy, bright-green condiment paste that is frequently served alongside sushi.Also called Japanese horseradish, it's known for its instant kick and lingering flavor ...

Could spicy wasabi boost your brain power? 00:57 Tokyo — A study conducted in Japan suggests there's more to sushi than just a healthy dose of fish and seaweed. Researchers at Tohoku University ...

Wasabi, the pungent Japanese horseradish, elevates cuisine with its fiery kick. Grated from the rhizome, its unique flavor stems from Allyl Isothiocyanate. Beyond taste, Wasabi boasts anti ...

According to Taste Atlas , most wasabi (Wasabia japonica) served globally is not authentic - it's a blend of horseradish, mustard, and green food colouring.

Markus Mead, left, of Oregon Coast Wasabi letting spice fans taste fresh wasabi at the first annual WasabiFest in Portland, Ore., on June 14, 2025.

Wasabi retails for around 10,000 yen ($66) per kilogram, which compares favorably with lettuce and other leaf vegetables, as well as paprika and tomatoes, that are often raised indoors.