The Magical Alchemy of Real Wasabi

By Doug Lambrecht, Real Wasabi, LLC

Prepare to embark on a journey through the enchanted world of authentic Wasabia japonica, where chemistry, patience, and culinary magic combine to create an unforgettable taste experience. In this whimsical white paper, we'll delve deep into the mysteries of real wasabi, uncovering the secrets of its unique flavor and its transformative journey from bitter and grassy to fiery taste and smooth finish.

A Dash of Mystery

Wasabi, the iconic green paste that accompanies your sushi platter, has a reputation for being elusive and magical. But most wasabi actually contains no wasabi. Do you know what makes real wasabi so enchanting? It's all in the chemistry!  Join us on this captivating adventure as we explore the "magical alchemy" behind real wasabi, where sulfur-containing compounds, enzymes, and timing come together to create an extraordinary culinary experience.

Unmasking the Ingredients

Our story begins with a cast of characters: glucosinolates and myrosinase enzymes. Glucosinolates, the sulfur-containing molecules, are like the unsung heroes of the real wasabi world. Myrosinase enzymes, on the other hand, are the catalysts that bring the magic to life. Imagine them as wizards in separate cells, waiting for the perfect moment to cast their spells.

The Dance of Transformation: Glucosinolates to Isothiocyanates

Our journey into the magical alchemy of real wasabi wouldn't be complete without exploring the heart of the transformation: the transmutation of glucosinolates into isothiocyanates. This process is akin to turning base metals into gold, only in the culinary realm.

When glucosinolates, those sulfur-containing compounds, meet myrosinase enzymes, the real magic begins. Myrosinase, our culinary alchemist, catalyzes a morphing effect, which essentially transmutes these glucosinolates into a suite of isothiocyanates. These isothiocyanates are not just any compounds; they are the key to real wasabi's "fiery taste with a smooth finish".

Isothiocyanates are powerful nutraceutical compounds with a range of health benefits, making real wasabi not just a delight for your taste buds but also a boon for your well-being.

The Fickle Nature of Flavor: Why So Volatile?

Now, let's unravel the enigma of real wasabi's notorious volatility and instability.

Imagine it as a fine wine of the culinary world, but unlike allowing a fine wine to breathe with exposure to oxygen, with real wasabi, the idea is to protect the flavors from escaping from released oxygen molecules.

The reason for this volatility lies in the very chemistry that makes real wasabi special. The isothiocyanates, those precious flavor compounds, are like delicate creatures in a fragile ecosystem. Once they are released through the magical transformation of glucosinolates, they are incredibly vulnerable to oxygen.

Oxygen molecules are notorious for their reactivity. They are the mischief-makers of the culinary world, stealing away the vibrant flavors we hold dear. When exposed to oxygen, the isothiocyanates in real wasabi can rapidly degrade, causing the flavor to dissipate into thin air, leaving us with a mere ghost of its former self.

Imagine opening a bottle of your favorite fine wine and letting it sit for hours. The flavors evolve and deepen as the wine breathes. Real wasabi, however, is quite the opposite. Exposing it to oxygen is like opening Pandora's box—the magic escapes, and the enchantment is lost.

Hence, the most crucial aspect of real wasabi preparation is to keep it sheltered, just as you would protect a treasure chest from prying eyes. By wrapping the real wasabi paste in plastic food film and sealing it off from the oxygen-laden world, you ensure that the flavors remain intact, preserving the magic for your culinary pleasure.

The Art of Real Wasabi Preparation

Now that we've unraveled the secrets of real wasabi's chemistry and its flavor's transformation, it's time to learn the art of proper preparation. Imagine yourself as a skilled sorcerer, conjuring up the perfect real wasabi paste.

1. Begin by mixing the real wasabi powder with water or grating fresh rhizomes
    to a consistency resembling playdough.

2. Shape this emerald wonder into a ball, as if crafting a magical amulet.

3. Wrap the ball in plastic food film, sealing in the flavor's volatile chemistry.

4. To activate the chemistry, give it a gently mush it around a bit.

5. Now, let it rest, undisturbed, for ten to fifteen minutes.

During this development time, the magic unfolds, and the flavor reaches its peak.

The Comparison to Fine Wine

In the world of gastronomy, we often draw parallels to other exquisite pleasures.

Real wasabi's sensitivity to oxygen is akin to the delicate nature of fine wine. While wine enthusiasts let their bottles breathe to enhance their flavor, with real wasabi, our goal is quite the opposite.

Just as a sommelier carefully uncorks a bottle of rare wine and pours it into a decanter, exposing it to oxygen to unlock its potential, a culinary artist cherishes real wasabi by keeping it tightly sealed. While a fine wine's flavors deepen and evolve with exposure to oxygen, real wasabi's flavor blooms and then fades away if exposed to the same element.

So, remember this: real wasabi is the fine wine of condiments, but it's a wine that prefers to remain in its bottle until it's time to enchant your taste buds. Take care to protect it from the oxygen's clutches, and you'll get to experience the full spectrum of its magical flavors—a fiery taste with a smooth finish that dances on your palate like a well-choreographed ballet.

Savoring the Precious Magic

As we conclude our exploration into the magical alchemy of real wasabi, we're left with a profound understanding of its chemistry, volatility, and the importance of preserving its delicate flavors. Real wasabi is a culinary gem, a testament to the wonders of nature and science working in harmony.

Like a rare and valuable treasure, it should be handled with care, its flavor protected from the grasp of oxygen. In doing so, you unlock the full potential of this enchanting condiment, allowing it to cast its spell on your taste buds, leaving you in awe of its "fiery taste, smooth finish"

So, next time you encounter real wasabi, you'll be knowledgeable to treat it with reverence and understanding. It's not just a condiment; its a journey into the realm of culinary magic, where chemistry and patience yield an experience nothing short of enchantment.