Japanese Wasabi - Izu

Wasabi from Izu Peninsula is special.  This is the most coveted and prized sawa wasabi in the world, and the most sought after and expensive you'll find in Ota vegetable market in Tokyo.  Considered by many to be the gold standard.

The strain we offer is known as Iraka and is grown in the most famous wasabi patch in the world in Ikadaba. This wasabi patch is a terraformation of the Western flank of Mt. Amagi, which has an abundance of natural water springs, and is a conglomeration of hundreds of family farmers that work and coordinate together.  The Izu Peninsula geography moderates summer heat and winter freeze and provides optimal conditions for wasabi health and growth.  The Ikadaba springs begin at relatively high altitude on Mt. Amagi and are fed by the accumulation of perpetual rain and dense coastal cloud moisture.  Izu is one of the wettest regions in Japan, and is also famous for it's numerous onsen.  The Ikadaba wasabida is recognized by the United Nations as culturally significant and the farming practices as beneficial to the environment. This is a very rare achievement.

I visited this farm in 2022 and met the family that run everyday operations.  I even gifted them my best Venezuelan rum and a Mt. Shasta book;>  Iraka is one of the most pungent and profound strains of wasabi I've ever experienced.  It has an alarming level of pungency that hits hard and quick, finishing with characteristic wasabi earthiness and some sweetness to round out the profile.  It makes a beautiful light-green colored cream when ground.  Not bitter at all.  This strain was created through natural propagation by the Oto-san (father) over 30 years ago (pictured).

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

DESCRIPTION - Each piece will be 100-120g or roughly 1/4lb in weight.

RECOMMENDATION - Iraka is a great wasabi strain for fattier cuts of fish, wagyu, or heavily grained meats, and barbecued chicken.