It's hard to imagine sushi without wasabi. This product is able to enhance the exquisite taste of fish, although initially the main purpose of its use is to protect organism from microbes and worms, which could appear when eating fresh or salted fish without thermal processing. But not so long ago, many began to say that the wasabi that we buy in stores is not a natural product. Is it so? Let's figure it out.
Unpleasant news - there is no real wasabi in Russia
And this is really not the best news for those who love this sauce. Even what we eat in expensive sushi restaurants is not a real wasabi.
The fact is that wasabi is a very expensive product that is served only in Japan (and even then, not everywhere), but in Russia and other countries, you can find only its analogue, which is prepared on the basis of ordinary horseradish, spices and dyes.
And such a full-fledged counterfeit of the product can be explained by the fact that wasabi is very difficult to obtain. So, in Japan, there are only a few farms where the plant of the same name is grown, on the basis of which this seasoning is made. Moreover, it takes at least several years to grow one root, because during the season it grows only 3-4 cm.
In addition, this plant is extremely demanding on sunlight, and its excess or lack can easily ruin the harvest. Another feature is that the horseradish is watered only with special spring water, while the air temperature should be around + 15- + 18 degrees.
As a result, the cost of 1 kg of horseradish rises to $ 320 and more - few people will buy such an economically unprofitable product. An important point is that the real wasabi very quickly loses its aroma and taste. Therefore, it needs to be rubbed immediately before serving, and it is not stored for so long.
According to Hiroko Simbo, author of The Sushi Experience, in 95% of cases, even in Japan, real wasabi is not served precisely because of the cost of this product. And even if sushi is served with a sauce with the addition of real horseradish, it will not be more than 5% in the final product.
What is a real wasabi made of?
So what is in a natural sauce? And what is added to it to get such a rich green color and taste that can cause bitter tears? But the composition of 100% wasabi is very simple - there is only one ingredient. And this is the grated root of the plant of the same name, which is ground into a paste and served in this form. Everything, nothing else.
And this wonderful plant is so rich in flavoring properties that any additives can only spoil it. The root has a pungent pungency, mustard-delicate aroma, natural green color, and when combined with soy sauce creates a truly incredible product to taste.
Another advantage is the beneficial substances in the composition. A natural product contains many amino acids and vitamins, and many antioxidants. This is actually a very useful product.
Quick recipe for horseradish and mustard wasabi
This recipe will allow you to prepare a delicious one that does not contain any harmful additives and substances.
For cooking you will need:
- 1.5 tbsp each white horseradish and any mustard;
- 1 tsp each sesame oil, soy sauce and lemon juice;
- a little starch for the binder.
Making a wasabi is easy:
- Combine the horseradish and mustard in a small bowl. The choice of the last ingredient depends on your taste and the taste you want to end up with.
- For a thicker consistency, add a little starch to the tip of the knife.
- Add all other ingredients to the mixture.
Whisk all the ingredients together thoroughly. You can use a fork, but a blender is better for this - thanks to it, the consistency will turn out to be creamy and tender.
In addition, ground garlic and even herbs can be added to the mixture. But you can achieve the usual color of wasabi with the help of special food coloring, which is not harmful to health if consumed in moderation.
The benefits and harms of consuming wasabi
This seasoning, even if you prepare it yourself without adding dyes or chemicals, will be very useful because:
- Helps in the fight against worms. It is for this reason that in Japan this spice is served along with sushi, where they are prepared from salted fish that is not subject to heat treatment.
- It has antioxidant properties that have a positive effect on overall health.
- Promotes normal digestion. And all thanks to fiber, which stimulates the digestive tract.
- Lowers the level of bad cholesterol, which lowers the risk of developing cardiovascular pathologies.
- Has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. It is especially helpful for sore joints.
But still, there are a number of contraindications that should not be forgotten.
It is not advisable to lean often, but it is better to completely abandon wasabi with the following pathologies:
- Any conditions that are associated with the risk of sudden bleeding, since the composition of this spice thins the blood.
- Gastritis, ulcers. Wasabi will irritate the stomach lining, which can lead to an exacerbation.
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