wasabi
Green sinus clearer
Wasabi is a pungent Japanese condiment, bright green and served as a paste alongside sushi and sashimi.
True wasabi comes from the grated root of a plant in the mustard family, though most versions served outside Japan are horseradish dyed green.
The heat hits the sinuses rather than the tongue: I put too much wasabi on that piece and my eyes watered.
Sharply strong-smelling
- nasalOf the nose
- sharpFine-edged, or astute
- volatileLiable to sudden change
- allyl isothiocyanateVolatile sulfur-containing irritant
eye-watering · intense · fleeting · dissipating · vapor · kick · bite · sting
Spicy root used as condiment
- mustardTangy seed-paste condiment
- gingerPungent culinary rhizome
- soy sauceFermented bean condiment
- pasteThick sticky substance
tube · powder · imitation · food coloring · accompaniment · dipping · mixing · dollop
Vinegared rice with toppings
- sashimiThinly sliced raw fish
- nigiriHand-formed rice with topping
- soy sauceFermented bean condiment
- gingerPungent culinary rhizome
nori · izakaya · kaiseki · omakase · chirashi · temaki · maki · shiso
Horizontal underground plant stem
- cruciferousFour-petaled vegetable family
- brassicaCruciferous vegetable genus
- horseradishSpicy root used as condiment
- watercressPeppery aquatic salad plant
radish · cultivation · hydroponic · shade · temperate · perishable · freshly grated · stem
Thick sticky substance
- pea greenPale yellow-tinted verdure
- naturalNot artificially produced
- artificialMade, not natural
- dyedChemically changed in hue
bright green · muted · color · hue · tint · vibrant · characteristic
pungent
Sharply strong-smelling
allyl isothiocyanate · eye-watering · intense · fleeting · dissipating · vapor · kick · bite · sting · punch
horseradish
Spicy root used as condiment
paste · tube · powder · imitation · food coloring · accompaniment · dipping · mixing · dollop · smear
sushi
Vinegared rice with toppings
ginger · nori · izakaya · kaiseki · omakase · chirashi · temaki · maki · shiso · pickled ginger
rhizome
Horizontal underground plant stem
- cruciferousFour-petaled vegetable family
- brassicaCruciferous vegetable genus
- horseradishSpicy root used as condiment
watercress · radish · cultivation · hydroponic · shade · temperate · perishable · freshly grated · stem · leaf
paste
Thick sticky substance
- pea greenPale yellow-tinted verdure
- naturalNot artificially produced
- artificialMade, not natural
dyed · bright green · muted · color · hue · tint · vibrant · characteristic
- Japanese culturesamurai, kabuki, sumo, origami, tea ceremony
- Japanese wordsanime, bento, bonsai, futon, geisha
- Acquired Tastesdurian, blue cheese, natto, Marmite, Vegemite
- Asian loanwordsanime, sushi, karate, ninja, tsunami
- ethnic foodssushi, tacos, pad thai, curry, hummus
- Asian herbsThai basil, holy basil, lemongrass, galangal, pandan
wasabimild
Moderate in intensity
bland · plain · unseasoned · flavorless · tasteless
- wasabi peasRoasted legumes with pungent coating
- wasabi mayoSpicy creamy condiment