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Ultracold Grating Method

To deliver the freshly grated aroma and spiciness of wasabi,
KINJIRUSHI developed the Ultracold Grating method,
in which wasabi is grated at -196 °C.

Delivering Freshly Grated Flavor!
Ultracold Grating Method

Wasabi only develops its spiciness when grated in tandem with an enzymatic reaction. The optimal moment to experience wasabi's full potential is within the first few minutes after grating. To deliver the freshly grated aroma and spiciness of wasabi, KINJIRUSHI developed the Ultracold Grating method, in which wasabi is grated at -196 °C. This technique preserves the fresh flavor so that when thawed, the wasabi retains the same freshly grated taste and aroma.

*1 Patent No. 856477 (Expired as of September 1992)
Timing of Wasabi's Spiciness and Aroma Development
Product Lineup

Characteristics of our
Ultracold Grating Method

Enjoying Wasabi
at Its Best

Characteristics of our Ultracold Grating Method

  • Grate at
    -196 °C
  • Halt wasabi's
    enzymatic reaction
  • Preserve wasabi's
    aroma and spiciness
  • Freeze to lock in
    freshness and flavor

Where do Wasabi's Aroma and Spiciness Come From?

  • Glycosides (Source of Aroma and Spiciness)

  • When wasabi cells break, glycosides and enzymes combine.

  • An enzymatic reaction occurs, releasing aroma, spiciness, and mild sweetness.

  • At this moment, wasabi is at its most flavorful.

Fresh Wasabi

  • Step1

  • Step2

    Enzymatic reaction occurs the moment the wasabi is grated.

  • Step3

    Three to five minutes is the peak for spiciness and aroma.

Ultracold Grating

  • Step1

    Grating at -196 °C stops enzymatic activity.

  • Step2

    We can completely preserve wasabi's spiciness and aroma in packaging.

  • Step3

    Enzymatic reaction occurs when thawed.

  • Step4

    The packaged version tastes as fresh as if it were just grated.

Column

Regular Room Temperature
Wasabi Paste in Tubes

When wasabi is grated at room temperature, an enzymatic reaction occurs, causing the aroma and spiciness to gradually disappear.

Regular tube wasabi contains food additives (such as artificial flavors) to compensate for lost aroma and spiciness, resulting in a taste that differs from natural wasabi.