what is wasabi

Wasabi, also known as Japanese horseradish, is a plant of the family Brassicaceae, native to Japan and the Russian Far East. It is best known as a spicy condiment served with sushi and sashimi. The pungent flavor of wasabi comes from the volatile compound allyl isothiocyanate, which is released when the plant's cells are ruptured, typically by grating. Real wasabi is made from the rhizome of the Wasabia japonica plant, and its unique flavor dissipates quickly, lasting only about 15 minutes after grating. Fake wasabi, often found in grocery stores and with prepackaged sushi, is made from powdered horseradish and artificial color, and it burns much hotter and longer than real wasabi