Wasabi is difficult to grow in this country. Anyone who can keep the plant alive, and possibly bring it to lush growth, can look forward to the well-deserved harvest. So that nothing goes wrong, we explain how to do it right.

Not only the root, but also the leaves of wasabi are edible

It takes time to harvest

A small seedling, with which the cultivation of wasabi usually begins in this country, takes its time with its underground growth. It takes two or three years for a usable rootstock to form. Whether or not there is a substantial harvest at all depends on the living conditions of the plant. This is how she should have it:

  • shady in summer
  • at temperatures between 7 and 20 °C
  • sheltered in winter
  • under a blanket of leaves or bark mulch
  • Overwinter pots frost-free in the winter quarters
  • always moist soil around the roots, but no waterlogging
  • a nutrient addition every spring

tips

Wasabi forms a long taproot. So that it can grow in a pot culture, the pot should be at least 30 cm deep.

harvest rootstock

If possible, wait until the day you want to paste the root and consume it. It would be a pity if you had to linger in the fridge for a few more days after waiting so long. A prepared paste also quickly loses its intense flavor and sharpness. Proceed as follows when harvesting:

  • Take the potted plant out of the pot
  • Dig the planted plant deep
  • shake off earth
  • Remove fine roots and stalks from rootstock
  • then clean, peel and process (grate very finely)

tips

A freshly harvested root can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four weeks if necessary. To do this, she is placed in a glass of water, which is changed every two days.

Patients can only wait for the side shoots

After some time, wasabi plants sprout small side shoots that can develop into independent plants. Wait until these side shoots show up before harvesting the large root. After digging up the plant, you can separate it from the large rootstock and replant it while you continue to use the harvested rootstock for culinary purposes.

Leaves and flowers are also edible

If you don't want to wait for the rootstock, you can harvest and taste a few leaves and flowers in the meantime. But be careful: the later in the year the harvest takes place, the hotter these parts of the plant are!

Category:

Vegetable garden