Read the label before you choose your wasabi.
When shopping for real wasabi, look at the ingredients and format as well as the name. Similar-looking products can serve different purposes.
Start with the format · Check the formulation · Compare like with like
Start with the format
Decide whether you want a whole rhizome or a ready-to-use paste. Check whether the photograph shows the delivered product or a serving suggestion. Do not rely on the word fresh alone.
Check the formulation
Some manufacturers sell blends of hon-wasabi and horseradish. A wasabi paste is not automatically made entirely from hon-wasabi. Read the ingredient list, formulation description and storage instructions.
Compare like with like
Grating at the table and portioning during a busy service are different needs. Our purchasing suggestion is to compare format and intended use alongside weight and price. Ask the seller before ordering if a description is unclear.
Questions & answers
Does the name guarantee pure hon-wasabi?
No. Check the ingredients and the manufacturer’s formulation information.