The Reason Real Wasabi Is So Pricey
NEWS
By ELIAS NASH
Per The Washington Post, about 99% of wasabi sold in North America and 95% of wasabi sold in Japan is fake. Even when real wasabi is served, it’s usually mixed with additives.
The BBC describes wasabi as “the most difficult plant in the world to grow commercially” due to its intricate needs. This complexity contributes to the high price of real wasabi.
Genuine wasabi is made from the rhizome of the wasabi plant or the Wasabia japonica. A rhizome is a thick, rootlike stem that can also be seen in ginger and turmeric.
To flourish, the wasabi plant must be grown in a cool environment, away from direct sunlight, and must have its roots submerged in clear running water at all times.
Farmers spend many years and thousands of dollars searching for viable wasabi seeds. Even if the ideal conditions are met, the plant takes two years to mature before harvesting.
Since the chances of crop failure are high, most farmers avoid investing their time and money in the plant. Due to its scarcity, genuine wasabi can cost as much as $100 per pound.