Wasabi

A Japanese rhizome related to horseradish with a similarly sharp, hot flavour. The fresh form of the root, which is now grown in Tasmania, is extremely hard to find; wasabi is typically sold in paste form in tubes or as a bright-green powder made from dried and ground wasabi root (cheaper brands may be merely dyed horseradish). The powder must be mixed to a paste with an equal part of water before serving and may also be mixed with mayonnaise or creme fraiche for non-traditional uses. Available from Asian food stores.