The Story of Wasabia japonica
What is Wasabi?
Wasabia japonica is a herbaceous perennial native to the wet banks
of Japan ’s cool mountain streams. It is a member of the Cruciferous
family and traditionally used as a natural herb. The Wasabi plant consists
of a rhizome (a root-like stem) with clusters of large, long-stemmed heart
shaped leaves and delicate white flowers that begin to blossom early spring.
The earliest cultivation of Wasabi in Japan dates back to the 10th century.
Field oka-Wasabi and Semi-Aquatic sawa-Wasabi
Wasabi is cultivated in two different ways. The higher quality Wasabi traditionally
grows in Japan’s cool mountain streams and is known as semi-aquatic or "sawa".
Field Wasabi or "oka" is grown in fields and generally results in
a lower quality product. Oka-Wasabi grown by Pacific Coast Wasabi is USDA certified
organic. Pacific Coast Wasabi grows two main varieties of Wasabi: Daruma and Mazuma.
Learn more about Wasabia japonica
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