Have you ever eaten sushi with that green spicy paste? You probably thought it was wasabi. But guess what? In most cases, it's not real wasabi at all. It's a mix of horseradish, mustard, and green food coloring. Real Japanese wasabi is rare—and very different from what most people are used to.
Let's take a look at what real wasabi is, why the fake stuff is everywhere, and how to tell the difference. Plus, we'll share how to find an authentic wasabi product supplier if you want to try the real thing!
What Is Real Japanese Wasabi?
Real wasabi comes from a plant called Wasabia japonica. It grows in cool, clean water—usually in mountain streams in Japan. This plant is very hard to grow. It takes a lot of time and care, which is why it's also very expensive.
When you eat real Japanese wasabi, the taste is fresh and kind of spicy, but not in a way that burns your mouth. The heat disappears quickly and doesn't make your nose hurt like fake wasabi does. It's more gentle and smooth—and tasty!
Why is most Wasabi fake?
Real wasabi is hard to grow and costs a lot of money. That's why most restaurants, especially outside Japan, use fake wasabi. It's affordable, easier to make, and lasts longer on the shelf. The fake version is usually made with horseradish, mustard, and green dye.
The bad news? Fake wasabi doesn't taste the same. And it doesn't have the special things found in real wasabi that may help support your body in different ways.*
Health Properties of Real Wasabi
Real wasabi has natural parts called isothiocyanates. These are what give real wasabi its strong smell and special taste. Scientists have found that these parts may help support the body's natural defenses* and may contribute to a healthy response when your body gets swollen or irritated.*
Real wasabi may also help support gut health, which means it could help keep your stomach and digestion in good shape.* But remember, these are health properties and not magic cures!
How to Tell If It's Real Wasabi?
Here are some easy ways to check if your wasabi is real or fake:
- Look at the Ingredients
Real wasabi should say Wasabia japonica on the label. If it says horseradish or mustard, it's fake.
- Check the Form
Real wasabi is often sold as a fresh root or frozen paste. If you see a bright green powder or tube that doesn't mention real wasabi, it's probably fake.
- Check the Texture and Color
Fresh wasabi looks light green and a little rough, like grated veggies. Fake wasabi is usually super smooth and very bright green because of food coloring.
- Buy from a Trusted Seller
The best way to try real wasabi is to buy it from an authentic wasabi products supplier. These suppliers work with farmers who grow the plant in the right conditions in Japan.
Why Try the Real Thing?
Real Japanese wasabi isn't just better tasting—it connects you with a big part of Japanese food culture. Plus, it has special natural parts that may support your body in healthy ways when eaten as part of a good diet.*
So next time you eat sushi, ask: Is this real wasabi? If not, now you know what to look for—and how to find it!
