How Can I Grind Wasabi Fibre Into Powder?

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The discussion revolves around the challenges of grinding wasabi stems into a paste, particularly the difficulty in processing the fibrous material. Initial attempts with a blender were insufficient for breaking down the fibers. Suggestions included researching traditional Japanese methods, which may involve grating rather than grinding. It was noted that a fine grater, especially one with conical teeth, could yield better results, allowing for the extraction of juices while leaving behind tougher fibers. The use of a coffee grinder was also recommended, as it offers higher speed and finer blades suitable for moist ingredients like wasabi. The conversation humorously referenced Alton Brown's kitchen philosophy, emphasizing the importance of multi-functional tools, while acknowledging that a sharkskin grater might be too specialized for general use. Overall, the consensus leaned towards using a coffee grinder for effective processing of wasabi stems.
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I have bought a few wasabi plants recently, I have been trying to grind some of the stem of the wasabi into paste (as shown in the supermarket), the trouble I am having is gridingthe fibre down.

First thing I tried is using a blender, it works fine on most part, but I just can't grind the fibre properly. I have looked through a lot of websites, all the grinder online are only good for grinding dry plants.

Are there anyways of grinding down the fibre to some kind of miniscule particle or powder?
 
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I would first check into how the Japanese prepare it. It could be that they separate the fiber from the rest somehow rather than grind the fiber down.
 
I thought it would be grated with a really fine grater, then you could make it smoother with a morter.
 
hypatia said:
I thought it would be grated with a really fine grater, then you could make it smoother with a morter.
Yes, you grate it just like horseradish.
 
Supposedly http://www.cityfarmer.org/wasabi.html" for things like wasabi, ginger, galangal and other fibrous rhizomes, roots, etc. Look for one with conical teeth rather than pyramidal, it makes a better endproduct. You are going to end up with some fibers remaining on the rhizome, that's fine, you want the juices and less woody parts anyway.
 
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DocToxyn said:
Supposedly http://www.cityfarmer.org/wasabi.html" sounds like a bit of overkill, unless you're looking to go truly authentic and you don't mind dropping the cash for one and you have no reservations about using a shark-derived product.
What would Alton Brown say?
 
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Evo said:
What would Alton Brown say?
Alton would tell you to use a coffee grinder. Much higher speed and finer chopping blades.

That's what he uses for all of his bulk spices and herbs...not that I watch that show a lot...
 
Evo said:
What would Alton Brown say?
Hah! Good one. However one of Alton's big things is not having anything in his kitchen that is not a multi-tasker (except his fire extinguisher, and he would probably use that as a rolling pin in a pinch). That sharkskin grater seems pretty uni-tasked to me...:biggrin:
Fred Garvin said:
:Alton would tell you to use a coffee grinder. Much higher speed and finer chopping blades.
That's what he uses for all of his bulk spices and herbs...not that I watch that show a lot...
True, he uses those a lot, and I have several myself, but they are used for dried herbs and spices, nothing wet like fresh ginger or wasabi.
 
DocToxyn said:
Hah! Good one. However one of Alton's big things is not having anything in his kitchen that is not a multi-tasker (except his fire extinguisher, and he would probably use that as a rolling pin in a pinch). That sharkskin grater seems pretty uni-tasked to me...:biggrin:
True, he uses those a lot, and I have several myself, but they are used for dried herbs and spices, nothing wet like fresh ginger or wasabi.
I bet mine would work. It can grind small rocks. A little wet noodle thing would be no match for it.
 
  • #10
what do you make out of small rocks? smaller rocks?
 
  • #11
Wow, thanks guys, didn't expect that many reply:!) :!)

So, you guys are saying the sharkskin grater could grind the fibre of the stem of the wasabi?
 
  • #12
Yes, but it looks like you should try a coffee grinder first, unless you're a professional sushi chef.
 
  • #13
Evo said:
What would Alton Brown say?
lol, good one.
FredGarvin said:
Alton would tell you to use a coffee grinder. Much higher speed and finer chopping blades.
That's what he uses for all of his bulk spices and herbs...not that I watch that show a lot...
Exactly right, a coffee grinder. Funny how you... hey who said use his fire extinguisher in a pinch? I thought that was funnier than Evo's comment.
 
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