出典:Wikipedia
出典:『Wikipedia』 (2011/07/29 17:46 UTC 版)
Wasabi (ワサビ(山葵) , originally 和佐比; Wasabia japonica, Cochlearia wasabi, or Eutrema japonica), also known as Japanese horseradish is a member of the Brassicaceae family, which includes cabbages, horseradish, and mustard. Its root is used as a condiment and has an extremely strong flavor. Its hotness is more akin to that of a hot mustard rather than the capsaicin in a chili pepper, producing vapours that stimulate the nasal passages more than the tongue. The plant grows naturally along stream beds in mountain river valleys in Japan. There are also other species used, such as W. koreana, and W. tetsuigi. The two main cultivars in the marketplace are W. japonica cv. 'Daruma' and cv. 'Mazuma', but there are many others.