These floors can be invaluable for a range of reasons, from purely aesthetic to practical savings. Today the focus is on one of them: the wasabi plant (Wasabia japonica or Eutrema japonicum). Native to Japan, it naturally grows along streams and rivers. With the right care, it can also thrive in pots or in a garden, offering unique culinary and ornamental value.
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What is wasabi?
Wasabi is a herb also called Japanese horseradish because it belongs to the same family as horseradish and mustard. Its rhizome is widely used in gastronomy, giving this herb a strong market value. It is used sparingly for sushi and is known for its pronounced spiciness.
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It is obtained from the stem region and is highly valued in culinary circles, where a little goes a long way. The root and leafy portions also contribute to its overall usefulness in traditional and modern recipes.
What is the value of the wasabi plant?
The wasabi plant is among the most expensive in the market, especially the edible stem portion used in gastronomy. A kilogram of this portion can fetch around 150 euros when bought in bulk, and the price rises with smaller quantities due to handling and freshness considerations.
The plant’s value arises from its water content and the specialized care required for successful cultivation. It demands substantial attention to growth, often taking several years before a stem develops that is suitable for culinary use.
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The elevated price is tied to the plant’s water needs and the intensive cultivation required. Wasabi requires significant care to develop and continues to grow slowly, as it takes a few years before a usable stem appears for culinary applications.
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Purchasing a wasabi plant, not just the stem for cooking, can be pricey. A single pot may cost around 30 euros, and careful handling is essential to achieve success. With patience, suckers can form and be transplanted, allowing a small collection of plants to thrive at home.
How long does wasabi grow?
The wasabi plant grows slowly and requires patience. Harvest typically takes at least two years from planting.
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While the most valuable portion is the stem, every part of the plant—the root, leaves, and flowers—can be used, contributing to its overall value and appeal.
How to plant wasabi at home?
Growing wasabi at home is one of the more challenging gardening tasks. It demands careful planning, consistent moisture, and a climate that mimics its natural streamside habitat. Patience is essential for success.
It is noted that wasabi paste, extracted from the plant’s rhizome, remains highly prized in culinary circles for its distinct heat and aroma.
Wasabi requires a moist environment and moderate temperatures without sudden changes. The ideal range is roughly 12 to 15 degrees Celsius, with ample humidity. A greenhouse is often the best option to manage these conditions effectively.
How to care for your indoor plants so that they are perfect?
To grow wasabi indoors, place the greenhouse in a shaded location since the plant does not tolerate strong sun. The shade should come from taller plants in its natural setting, providing protection from direct light.
The soil should be organic with a fertilizer mix that includes sulfur and a pH of 6 to 7. Good drainage is essential to keep the plant consistently moist without becoming waterlogged.
Wasabi is a highly valued herb in gastronomy and, once prepared, the plant can be transplanted to create a small colony of plants that yields fresh harvests over time.
When sowing seeds directly, keep them moist for a day or two before planting. Soak the seeds overnight in distilled water to improve germination. In the morning, place the seeds in soil and press gently.
How to care for the wasabi plant?
After sowing, maintain consistent moisture in the soil without flooding it. Gentle irrigation is best, mirroring the stream water that nourishes wasabi in its natural habitat.
Because the plant thrives in a constantly moist environment, it is susceptible to diseases such as fungal infections if conditions are too damp or poorly ventilated.
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You should also keep the planting area clean, removing weeds that compete with the wasabi plant.
With careful care, a reasonable amount of patience, and a touch of luck, wasabi can be grown at home within two years.