Shiny green wasabi pearls become hot selling topping

Shizuoka Prefecture is famous for its high quality wasabi, and local 144-year-old-manufacturer Tamaruya offers a wide range of the finest wasabi products in Japan. Their latest offering has skyrocketed to the top of the wasabi goods list, however, selling out in two minutes online. It's been nicknamed "green caviar", but are actually green wasabi flavored pearls called Wasabeads. They put a brand new textural spin and shape on one of Japan's favorite condiments, and have turned into a hit topping trend.

If Wasabeads look familiar to seasoned Japanese food lovers, that's because they borrow their aesthetic from ikura, or salmon roe, a popular sushi topping. Using the high quality wasabi selected by Tamaruya, Wasabeads deliver the same delicious punch of wasabi paste with a playful popping sensation.

Ikura sushi with Wasabeads

Tamaruya has had a bit of a challenge keeping up with the surging demand that has their shops and now online store under constant watch from customers. The shiny green pearl aesthetic adds a new visual twist to dishes traditionally enjoyed with a spread of wasabi along with a "fun" texture. Creative plating options have made Wasabeads a well sought-after decorative garnish and of course, "Instagrammable" foodie favorite.

Carpacchio

Wasabeads retail for 594 yen via Taamaruya's online shop (restocked daily) and local shops in Japan, but they also have a pre-order system on Rakuten. They're unfortunately only available in Japan at the moment, but make for a unique souvenir for any wasabi lover.

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