Does horseradish inhibit microgrowth in sushi like real wasabi is said to?

Question

Most restaurants cannot afford the real wasabi root and instead use a mixture of horseradish, mustard seed, and green food coloring. l was wondering if horseradish like real wasabi root inhibits microgrowth or are they just using this faux mixture to appear authentic?

Answer 1

Well, they are both horseradish varieties and neither cost much...so if some restaraunt is cutting costs by serving fake wasabi I wouldn't go there.

I don't understand why the microbial growth is in your question because the wasabi is mixed fresh on the side or isn't mixed into the rice anyway ???

The rice is mixed with rice vinegar & sugar which does inhibit bacteria but also is made fresh so is not an issue either.

Answer 2

To be honest, I believe that wasabe and horseradish inhibiting microbial growth is a myth.