Real wasabi comes from a plant called Wasabia japonica and has been an important part of Japanese culture for hundreds of years—not just because of its distinctive taste, but also because it offers some impressive health benefits. What many people don’t know is that genuine wasabi is actually very rare. Most of what you find in stores or restaurants is a fake version made from horseradish, mustard, and green food coloring. The real thing isn’t just about flavor—it also contains natural compounds