| Fresh Wasabi Rhizomes
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Fresh wasabi is a rare, delicious and expensive delicacy that deserves proper handling. Sawa (water grown) Daruma wasabi is especially prized for its green color, size and crisp taste. Patient grating and preparation before serving is what activates and optimizes wasabi's memorable spicy-pungent and uniquely sweet flavors. Traditionally, the fresh wasabi rhizome is washed, the top end is cut off and it is then pressed tightly against an "Oroshi" grater, a piece of sharkskin mounted on a wooden or ceramic paddle. Using a tight circular motion, the rhizome is carefully grated to produce a small pile of mashed plant particles. While a traditional Oroshi is considered ideal, a small toothed stainless steel or ceramic grater may also be used, (the finer the better). Some chefs will then use the back of a knife to further crush the wasabi particles to maximize the enzymatic action.
When a suitable amount of fresh wasabi has been grated, gather and press it into a tight pile, cover it (the compounds released by the enzymatic reaction are volatile and flavors can dissipate with too much exposure to air) and let it relax for a few minutes to maximize its potency. Timing is important. Like a fine wine, allowing fresh grated wasabi to breathe for a few minutes helps flavors develop, but too much time can be detrimental. Generally about ten minutes after preparation is the optimum time to serve the prepared wasabi. Be advised however, that the flavor may "peak" after about twenty to thirty minutes. If this occurs and the meal is still ongoing, you can re-invigorate the wasabi by vigorously re-mixing it and regrouping it back into a tight little pile. Some chefs suggest adding a pinch of sugar to help re-ignite the enzyme reactions. Adding more freshly grated wasabi can re-invigorate the unique Fiery Taste, Smooth Finish™ for a second wind.
Orders for Wasabi Rhizomes are packed in Styrofoam shippers with ice packs and rushed via UPS or Fed Ex.
NOTE: FRESH PRODUCE!! MUST ARRIVE IN ONE OR TWO DAYS! PLEASE VIEW THE SHIPPING CHART UNDER RW POLICIES. IF WE ARE SHIPPING TO AN ADDRESS IN THE 3+ DAY REGION, YOU MUST SELECT UPS 2nd DAY OR OVERNIGHT SHIPPING.
NOTE: Wasabi harvests are periodic, so delays can happen. After your order is submitted, we will email you with an estimated ship/arrival date. If you have a specific preferred ship date, we will do our best to accomodate you.
Like any vegetable, wasabi is at its best when served as close to harvest time as possible, but fresh rhizomes can be stored in the refrigerator for 30 days or so. The rhizomes should be wrapped in damp paper towels and stored in a crisper drawer to protect them from drying out.
Customer Testimonial - "The wasabi I received with this order was awesome. I still have one "stalk" left. It seems to keep nicely when wrapped and refrigerated. Awesome product!" ~ Doug ~ www.sushibynature.com |
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