The Wonders Of Wasabi

It originates in Japan, but is thriving right here in Hampshire, with one company selling to chefs all over the UK and Europe. Nancy Judge, of Hampshire Fare, reports on the adopted crop that has become a domestic success story.

- Nancy Judge

IT was a chef from Japan visiting local watercress growers in 2010 who spotted the similarity between growing wasabi and watercress. Intrigued by the possibility and challenge of trying to grow wasabi in the UK, the team at The Watercress Company began to research how they could do just that.

Seven years on and The Wasabi Company is now selling Hampshire and Dorset grown wasabi to chefs across the UK and Europe. The crop occupies old watercress beds and it has taken a lot of trial and error to become the first, and only, successful wasabi grower in Europe. The abundant supply of local spring water rich in minerals and nutrients is recognised as being key to the process.

“People are always surprised to learn that wasabi is grown here in Hampshire.” says Tracy Nash from food group Hampshire Fare. “Water is key to the growing process and mineral rich water is plentiful here in Hampshire. Our local wasabi injects such flavour into a dish and is inspiring chefs to experiment with new ideas. Another plus is that it’s really good for you.”