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Close-up of green wasabi leaves

Real world-class wasabi
grown in Czechia

our story

The idea of growing authentic Japanese wasabi in the Czech Republic was born quite spontaneously in the autumn of 2018, when a chance read of an in-flight magazine article—somewhere between two Pacific islands—introduced us to the thousand-year tradition of cultivating this revered ingredient of Japanese cuisine.

What started as curiosity evolved into nearly a decade of dedicated research and collaboration with wasabi farms in Japan. Today, Eastern Bohemia is among the select few locations outside Japan where one of the world’s most challenging crops—authentic Japanese wasabi (Wasabia japonica)—can successfully thrive. We are proud to cultivate a premium variety, with young plants carefully transported by air from Japan to their second home in the historic and fertile Harta region.

The name Folia Hartensia reflects this origin—derived from Latin, meaning “Leaves of Harta,” and inspired by the natural richness of the land itself. Our farm is located within the Harta Nature Trail, a protected landscape where biodiversity and cultivation exist in quiet balance across several hectares of living terrain.

Our Ambitions

We strive to:

  • ... Become a trusted supplier of fresh wasabi plants to leading restaurants across the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and the rest of Europe.
  • ... Offer our signature product, Extra Fine Premium Fresh Wasabi Leaf Pesto, to thousands of customers throughout the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and across Europe.
  • ... Thoughtfully expand our portfolio with new products defined by the same standards of purity, precision, and excellence.

At Folia Hartensia, our ambition is to create products of such distinction that they are sought after even in Japan—the birthplace and highest benchmark of authentic wasabi cultivation.

Wasabi leaves
Wasabi flowers
Wasabi rhizome

Fresh premium variety wasabi

Wasabi follows a precise and highly sensitive growth cycle. We import plants from Japan at their earliest stage, cultivated in agar gel, and provide continuous, attentive care throughout their development.

From approximately one year of age, the leaves may be harvested. Seasonally, between February and April, the plants also produce edible flowers. At full maturity, around three years of age, we harvest the rhizomes (commonly referred to as the root), the highly valued part of the plant.

LEAVES offer a refined aromatic profile with a gentle, natural heat. They are highly versatile, lending depth and freshness to both refined meat dishes and plant-based cuisine.

FLOWERS deliver a delicate balance of sweetness and spice, with subtle notes of honey and pepper. They are among the rarest delicacies we can offer.

RHIZOME, traditionally grated over sharkskin, is central to high Japanese gastronomy, served alongside raw fish and premium wagyu. Fresh wasabi rhizome is markedly more nuanced and elegant than its European counterpart, horseradish, which is often processed and colored to imitate wasabi paste.

How to order our plants

Rhizome (root), leaves and flowers (during their season, i.e. February to April)

info@realwasabi.cz

Fresh wasabi leaf pesto

Crafted exclusively from fresh wasabi leaves, our signature pesto offers a refined balance of vibrant freshness and gentle heat. Its clean, nuanced flavor pairs effortlessly with fresh fish, seafood, and premium cuts of beef, including wagyu. Equally versatile, it brings depth and complexity to soups, sauces, and risottos, while complementing contemporary plant-based cuisine with its pure, distinctive character.

Jar of fresh wasabi leaf pesto

Where to buy our pesto

Words of appreciation

Jan Knedla

JAN KNEDLA

Gault & Millau, Chef of the Year, 2025
Laureate of two Michelin stars
Papilio Restaurant, Head Chef

„Czech wasabi is one of those exceptional ingredients that continues to captivate us. Its remarkable freshness, purity, and vibrant character are the result of meticulous cultivation and uncompromising care. We are proud to work with a product grown in the Czech Republic.“
Dominik Unčovský

DOMINIK UNČOVSKÝ

Bocuse d‘Or, two-times national champion
Forbes “30 under 30” award laureate
Makro Academy, Head Chef

„Pesto crafted from Czech-grown wasabi. An exceptional ingredient transformed into a delicacy with a distinctive and unforgettable flavor.”