Wasabi Crop was born from Zak's interest in cultivating wasabi in Orchard County, Armagh, Northern Ireland. Together with his father, Dr Sean Kitson, they embarked on a challenging yet fruitful journey to grow this traditionally Japanese plant, celebrated for its unique flavour and medicinal benefits.Overcoming Cultivation Challenges The journey ...
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https://wasabicrop.co.uk
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Wasabi Crop was born from Zak's interest in cultivating wasabi in Orchard County, Armagh, Northern Ireland. Together with his father, Dr Sean Kitson, they embarked on a challenging yet fruitful journey to grow this traditionally Japanese plant, celebrated for its unique flavour and medicinal benefits.
Overcoming Cultivation Challenges
The journey began with a dream of growing wasabi on the island of Ireland, which could potentially be groundbreaking news. The task was daunting, given the plant's reputation for being difficult to cultivate outside its native habitat. Despite the challenges, the determination to grow wasabi led to the construction of the Wasabi Crop Growing Facility in June 2016.
Sourcing and Hardening Wasabi Plants
The initial hurdle was sourcing genuine wasabi plants, as real wasabi seeds are incredibly rare and often confused with mustard seeds. After securing some plants from a reliable source, the next step involved hardening the delicate seedlings to adapt to outdoor conditions, a crucial process for their survival and growth.
Cultivation and Care
Zak's commitment to the project saw him planting approximately 600 wasabi plants in the polytunnel's prepared beds. His passion for horticulture grew, leading him to enrol in an online herb course to deepen his understanding of plant science. Caring for the wasabi plants involved meticulous attention to detail, from maintaining weed-free growing beds to monitoring the facility's temperature and humidity.
Innovative Growing Techniques
Learning that wasabi thrives in shaded conditions, similar to its natural environment in Japan, Zak innovated by using black shading cloth in the polytunnel to mimic these conditions. The quest for optimal growth also led to discussions about the ideal pH levels for wasabi rhizomes and the importance of high humidity to prevent root rot. An automated overhead watering system was installed, proving to be a valuable addition to the growing process.
Achieving Success
The efforts paid off, with the crop flourishing under Zak's diligent care. A blend of pea shingle, soil, rich compost, and dilute seaweed for nutrients proved effective in growing high-quality wasabi rhizomes. Today, Zak proudly sells fresh wasabi rhizomes, wasabi plants, and even edible flowers, marking a significant achievement in agricultural innovation on the island.
The Culinary and Medicinal Value of Wasabi
Wasabi, scientifically known as Wasabia japonica, is celebrated for its unique flavour and medicinal benefits, including antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. With their distinctive wasabi kick, the wasabi leaves and stems can enhance salads and beverages, offering a taste of the island of Ireland's wasabi.
A Testament to Perseverance
Wasabi Crop stands as a testament to Zak's vision and perseverance, transforming the idea of growing wasabi in Ireland from a bold dream to a successful reality. The journey underscores the potential of innovative agriculture and the value of pursuing seemingly impossible goals, ultimately contributing to Ireland's culinary and medicinal landscape.
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