Japanese Wasabi - Nagano

There's a long running debate in Japan about who produces better wasabi; Nagano or Izu.  Many argue that Nagano sawa wasabi is better, or just as good as Izu wasabi.  Depends on who you ask and how it's used (and which farm you get it from). 

Wasabi from Nagano grows at high elevation in frigid water fed by snow melt from the nearby Japanese Alps.  Azumino valley in particular has an unusual geological advantage in the form of underground bubbling springs.  The highly oxygenated and mineral dense water emerges all throughout the Azumino valley, with many of these bubbling springs having wasabi patches built atop.

The wasabida farms in Azumino were built over 250 years ago.   The intricate knowledge and years of wasabi wisdom has been passed down through multiple generations.  The snowy winters, hot summers and cold, mountain fed crystal clear water and the bubbling springs of the Azumino valley stimulate growth flavors that are impossible to duplicate. Similar to grapes in Napa valley, wasabi responds to weather fluctuations that affect flavor.  Cold in particular has a noticeably positive effect on pungency and sweetness.

Fujiya Wasabi Farm is one of the most famous brands in the world of Japanese fresh wasabi, supplying the likes of the Wagyu Mafia and chefs around the world.  The owner and operator of this farm, Mochizuki-San, is a true innovator and pioneer in the wasabi industry.  He built the only modern wasabi processing facility in Japan directly on his farm, crafting the highest quality wasabi pastes, pickles and creating the capacity to ship the freshest wasabi stems available internationally.  He also designed the Oni Namida oroshigane, the finest wasabi grater on Earth.

Mochizuk-San and Fujiya's pioneering attitude, collaborative spirit, excellent location and extensive family history has created some of the most consistent and well rounded wasabi I've tasted.  Not bitter in the least, Fujiya F2 wasabi is not overly pungent and has a nice sweetness and a very fresh wasabi flavor reflecting the cold Japanese Alps water it was grown in.  It's the perfect balance of pungent and sweet with the perfect grind consistency.  Which is why it's such valued wasabi by chefs around the world.   

SHIPPING: Orders will be shipped every Wednesday.  This allows us to replenish stock and retain freshness. Due to wasabi perishabality, products are ordered directly from Japan and shipped out weekly.  

DESCRIPTION: Each root will be 140-160 grams or 1/3lb in weight.

RECOMMENDATION: Fujiya wasabi is a great all purpose wasabi.  It's not too pungent or overwhelming, has good sweetness, and is a great reflection of the Nagano Alps water.