Fresh Wasabi

Yes. We grow fresh wasabi on our own farms in Dorset and Hampshire, making us the UK’s first commercial growers of fresh wasabi. Alongside our English harvests, we also offer Japanese wasabi when it is available. All our fresh wasabi is sold whole and unprocessed, ready to grate just before serving.

Fresh wasabi is expensive because it is slow and difficult to grow. The plant needs cool temperatures, shade, and a steady supply of clean, flowing water. It also takes well over a year before the rhizome is ready to harvest. That combination of time, care, and low yields makes fresh wasabi a rare ingredient.

If you enjoy Japanese food, fresh wasabi is worth trying at least once. Its heat is gentler and more aromatic than imitation pastes, and it fades quickly rather than lingering. Many people are surprised by how balanced it tastes when freshly grated, even if they usually avoid hot condiments.

Fresh wasabi should be stored in the fridge. When kept cool and in an unsealed plastic bag  to prevent drying out, it will usually keep for around two weeks. For the best flavour, grate only what you need and return the rhizome to the fridge immediately.

The rhizome is the part most people know, delivering the strongest aroma and heat when freshly grated. The leaf stems are crisp with a clean, mild bite. The leaves are softer and gently peppery, often eaten raw or pickled. Wasabi flowers are delicate, with a subtle heat, and are commonly used as a garnish or in tempura.

Fresh wasabi is most commonly served with sashimi and sushi, where it’s grated just before eating. It also complements other dishes, including beef and salmon. It’s also used in simple dishes that let its flavour come through clearly, such as fresh wasabi dressing, wasabi hollandaise for asparagus, and wasabi dipping sauces for maki or futomaki. Because fresh wasabi loses its heat quickly once grated, these recipes are designed to be prepared and served straight away.

You can find these and other ideas in our fresh wasabi recipes.

Fresh wasabi plants and rhizomes can be shipped within the UK. For customers in the EU, some products may be available through our partners at Dutch Wasabi in Amsterdam. Unfortunately, we are unable to ship fresh wasabi plants or produce to countries where import restrictions apply, including Canada.

Shipping costs depend on your order and delivery location. Full details can be found on our shipping information pages and during checkout. Orders over £75 within the UK qualify for free delivery.

We take care to ensure all orders arrive in good condition. If there is an issue with your order, we’re happy to offer a replacement, refund, or credit where appropriate. You have 14 days from receipt to request a return. Only non-perishable or faulty items can be returned. For help, contact hello@thewasabicompany.co.uk.

We regularly run offers across our range, so it’s worth checking our offers page. Some products are also available in case sizes at a reduced unit price.

The Wasabi Company’s farms have been growing watercress since the 1850s. When we noticed how closely those conditions mirrored traditional wasabi farms in Japan, we began experimenting with wasabi cultivation in the UK.

While we don’t currently offer regular tours or workshops, we have previously shared a behind-the-scenes tour of our Dorset farm with chef Tim Anderson, which shows how wasabi is grown and harvested here.