All about the wasabi plant

The wasabi plant is herbaceous and edible

Image – Wikimedia/Aomorikuma

Have you heard of the wasabi plant? Perhaps you have ever bought its stems or powders, both of which are edible. But the species that is used so much in Asian cuisines is still unknown to Westerners, although we hope that what we are going to tell you about it here will help make it known.

So if you are curious to know what its characteristics are, its cultivation and of course its uses, we will talk about it next.

Origin and characteristics of the wasabi plant

The wasabi flower is small

Image – Wikimedia/Nagarazoku

The wasabi plant, whose scientific name is eutrema japonicum (before Wasabia), it is a perennial herb that belongs to the family Brassicaceae. It is also popularly known as Japanese horseradish, and it is an herb native to Japan, specifically, it is found near streams.

It reaches an approximate height of 40 centimeters, and develops rounded leaves ending in a green point. Are they sprout from a relatively thick stem, which is about 5 centimeters thick. And the flowers come from a very thin flower stalk, and they are very small and white.

How long does wasabi take to grow?

The plant takes its time to reach adulthood, but if you like it spicy, the wait is worth it. It may take approximately 18 months to be ready, and during all that time we have to provide him with the necessary care so that he does not lack for anything.

What uses does it have?

Wasabi is grown for its edibility, but it has other uses as well. Let's see what they are:

  • Edible: the stem, once grated, is used like pepper, that is, to add a spicy flavor to dishes such as sushi. Wasabi powder is also sold, which has the same use.
  • Toothpaste: sometimes, with the stems a paste is made that is used to clean the teeth.

Its nutritional value per 100 grams is as follows:

The wasabi plant is perennial

Image – Flickr/David

  • Water: 31,7g
  • Energy: 292kcal
  • Proteins: 2,23g
  • Fat: 10,9g
  • Carbohydrates: 46,13g
  • Fiber: 6,1g
  • Sugars: 13,2g

How is the wasabi plant grown?

It is a plant that needs a lot of water, even more than other herbs grown in gardens, such as tomato plants or lettuce. Therefore, it is important to know their needs before deciding whether or not we are going to get seeds or seedlings:

Location

Japanese horseradish it must be grown outdoors, in a place where there is a lot of light but not direct sun. Likewise, it is recommended that it be planted either in the pond if you have one, or in a pot that we will put a plate under so that the soil stays moist longer.

Soil or substrate

  • Flower pot: it is advisable to fill it with substrate for an urban garden, since it contains the necessary nutrients for it to grow. get it here.
  • Garden: it is a plant that needs soils rich in organic matter and well drained. If the one we have in the garden is not like that, it is best to make a 1 x 1 meter planting hole and fill it with the substrate mentioned above.

Irrigation and fertilizer

The wasabi plant must be watered frequently; it's more, it is preferable not to let the soil dry out. For this reason, in summer we will water every 1-2 days, and the rest of the year every 3-7 days depending on the climate in the area. If it is in a pot, we will put a plate under it and fill it every time it runs out of water.

As for the subscriber, we will have to pay it from spring to the end of summer. For this we will use organic fertilizers, such as guano (get it here), The manure or compost. But if we grow it in a container, it is highly recommended to use liquid fertilizers. We will follow the instructions for use, and thus we will achieve excellent results.

Transplant

It has to be planted in the ground or in a larger pot when roots come out of the holes.. It is important to wait for this to happen, because if we remove the plant when it has not yet rooted well, the root ball will crumble and the roots could be damaged, something that would delay recovery and, consequently, its growth.

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Related article:
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Multiplication

The wasabi plant multiplies by seeds

Image - Wikimedia / Kolforn

the wasabi plant multiplies by seeds in spring. To do this, you have to follow this step by step:

  1. A seedbed tray is filled with specific soil or with one for an urban garden.
  2. Now, it is watered conscientiously.
  3. Afterwards, a maximum of 2 seeds are placed in each alveolus.
  4. They are then covered with a thin layer of soil.
  5. And finally the seedbed is placed outside, in the shade.

The seeds will germinate in about two weeks, as long as the soil is kept moist.

Rusticity

Resists frost down to -18ºC, so it is possible to grow it outdoors throughout the year in temperate regions.

What do you think about what we have told you about the wasabi plant? We hope that you will be encouraged to cultivate it, or even cultivate it. You will surely enjoy it a lot.


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