The Wasabi Farm

Daio Wasabi Farm

I have heard and consumed wasabi especially when I have Japanese treats. But to see how the plant is grown is surely the first time I have experienced. It was a learning visit as we witness before our eyes how the plant thrives. Apparently there are some nutritional value attached to the plant but the obvious reason is the punch you receive when it accompanies Japanese cuisines.

Clement told us that the Daio farm in Matsumoto is probably the biggest in Japan producing wasabi. The plant is sensitive and several physical conditions must first exist for its growth.

The journey to the farm was across tunnels built to overcome the rugged terrain on the Japanese Alps. It was breathtaking as you go through thick and beautiful greenery, pine trees,conifers and deciduous trees. Cedar trees are abundantly available perhaps as timber for construction. The hilly ride cut across ridges but the roads were well built.

That's the best representation of the plant. 

I could not resist a photo with it.

The summer heat was scorching and wasabi ice cream was the antidote.

A sumptuous Bento treat with of course the Hida beef.

Lunch was so delicious accompanied by most things wasabi! 

Witness the picturesque landscape with its mountainous background and streams of flowing water from the Alps.

Yes, the conditions for good wasabi harvest include cool, clear flowing water from the Alps and shade. This Azumino town has everything bestowed for wasabi growing. It is amazing to see the cool waters flowing through the fields without break.

This is how clear the water can be. 

You can almost see everything below that cover.

 Pebbles and deposits of varied kinds line the bottom of the bed and easily accountable. That's how the water flows here.

The summer sun is avoided by the vast coverage of the net.

Wasabi must have a constant flow of water flowing across its growth with extensive shade.

Please be informed that across each row of wasabi plant is seen a stream of flowing water; probably constant as it comes down from the nearby Alps.

Therefore it is true that wasabi cannot just grow anywhere.

It takes 2 years for a wasabi plant to mature and it can grow to a length of 4 inches. This place has the biggest wasabi farmland in Japan.

Besides the wasabi plant, we had the opportunity to see the natural surroundings of this pristine landscape and the indigenous flora growth. 

It truly was worth a visit.

Of course, we were tempted with the wasabi plant on the way out. You can actually grind yourself at home and be assured of the originality of it. The supermarkets may not be able to display such a pure version of it and some concoction may have been involved. However, how does one take them home?

The Wasabi Visit In Matsumoto.