Try some Wasabi this Christmas

Even if you think you have tried Wasabi, it is likely that you might not have done. Because a good deal of what is passed off as Wasabi in the UK is either largely or entirely Horseradish.

And whilst there is nothing wrong with a good Horseradish, it is still not Wasabi.

However, if you source your Wasabi through the Wasabi Company, England, then you can be fully satisfied that it really is guaranteed 100% Wasbi.

first of all, they supply the Wasabi as a whole rhizome so you have the full pleasure of creating your own Wasabi paste from scratch.

You have to be properly equipped.  But do not concern yourself, as the Wasabi Compy of England supply you with every tool that you will need.

Using a sharp knife you slice the Wasabi rhizome.

You will then employ a very special Wasabi grater (in a circular motion) to grate the Wasabi, and then use a special bamboo brush to remove the grated Wasabi from the grater. This must be done quickly or the steel of the grater could help increase the oxidation of the Wasabi.

We do not propose to go through the full procedures for preparing the Wasabi, you can find those rather exacting instructions at their website http://www.thewasabicompany.co.uk/wasabi-preparation.

But once you have prepared the Wasabi paste, what can you use it for?

You can add it to mashed potatoes, use it in a salad dressing, with fresh meat like steak or sliced roast beef, in just about any way you care to think of, really, it does depend upon you.

What does Wasabi taste like?

We had it with some beef and although some people claim that Wasabi tastes "just like Horseradish" that's actually a slightly misleading description.

Whilst it is true that it tastes somewhat like Horseradish, the truth is that it tastes like Horseradish but with wings.

It has a cleaner, 'crisper' taste than Horseradish and is much, much hotter than horseradish and has a taste kick that makes you go "Whoa!"

It tastes far better than other Wasabi products that we have tried, but this might in part be due to the fact that it was freshly grown in the UK.

For a range of delicious, inventive recipes please visit http://www.thewasabicompany.co.uk/recipes.