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Most of the wasabi served worldwide isn’t real wasabi—it’s just a mix of horseradish, mustard, and green food coloring. True wasabi (Wasabia japonica) is incredibly rare and difficult to grow, requiring specific conditions of clean, cold, running water. Because of its delicate nature, real wasabi loses its signature heat within minutes of being grated, making it a luxury even in Japan. Next time you dip your sushi, ask yourself: are you tasting the real thing or just a spicy impostor? If it’s not expensive, it’s not real wasabi. If it’s very expensive, it still doesn’t mean it’s real.

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Stuffed dates (Tamr mahshi) 📍Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 Learn more: Tamr mahshi is a traditional Middle Eastern dessert that consists of stuffed dates. The dish is made by pitting dates and filling them with various ingredients such as nuts (like almonds, pistachios, or walnuts), candied fruit, or sweetened cream. Sometimes, spices like cinnamon or cardamom are added for extra flavor. This sweet treat is popular across the Middle East, particularly during holidays and special occasions like Ramadan, where it's served as a nutritious and energy-boosting snack after breaking the fast. Video: IG @so0__i

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Artisan Crocante 📍Italy 🇮🇹 Crocante is a traditional Italian sweet made by caramelizing sugar and combining it with nuts such as almonds or hazelnuts. This treat is particularly popular in regions like Abruzzo, Sicily, and Calabria, often enjoyed during festivals and holidays. Similar versions of crocante are made in other countries, such as turrón de Alicante in Spain 🇪🇸 , nougatine in France 🇫🇷 , and peanut brittle in the United States 🇺🇸 . Known for its satisfying crunch, crocante is handcrafted using simple, natural ingredients, highlighting Italian artisanal techniques. The mixture is spread, allowed to harden, and cut into pieces for serving. Whether in Italy or elsewhere, this timeless sweet pairs wonderfully with coffee, tea, or dessert wines. Viseo by @cinzia_csr

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Millionaire’s shortbread 📍Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 ⭐4.2 Explore Scotland: Millionaire’s shortbread or caramel shortbread is a classic Scottish dessert and one of the country’s favorite treats whose main appeal lies in its different textures: the crumbly shortcake base, soft caramel in the middle, and the crisp chocolate top. For the best millionaires’ shortbread, a sprinkle of unrefined sea salt can be added to the sweet caramel as it brings out its creamy richness and at the same time complements the pure, smooth dark chocolate.

Indigirka salad 📍Sakha Republic, Russia 🇷🇺 ⭐ 2.8 Indigirka is a Russian fish salad that has its origins in Yakutia (Sakha). It consists of diced frozen fish that is combined with onions, oil, salt, and pepper. The salad is typically made from whitefish such as broad whitefish (also known as chir), nelma, and muksun, and it is traditionally served in ice bowls. Indigirka salad first appeared in the middle of the 20th century and was named after the Indigirka River, one of the major Yakutian rivers. It is believed it was created by chef Innokenty Tarbakhov, who based it on a similar ethnic Yakutian dish made with raw fish called raw in the Yakut language or five minutes in Russian. Photo: @vk.shkatulka_irinad

Köttbullar at @palsjokrog 📍Sweden 🇸🇪 Explore Sweden: Köttbullar, first made in Sweden in the 18th century, are traditional meatballs made from a blend of beef and either pork or veal, seasoned with onions, salt, pepper, and allspice. Traditionally prepared for both festive occasions and everyday meals, they are served with lingonberry sauce, mashed potatoes, and gravy. In southern Sweden, the meatballs contain more pork for added richness, while northern versions use less pork, favoring beef or veal.

Faggots 🇬🇧 at HG Walter Explore UK: Faggots are traditional offal-based meatballs popular in Wales and the Midlands of England. Made from pork offal and cheap cuts, they are seasoned with spices and wrapped in caul fat for structure. Traditionally served with mushy peas, mashed potatoes, and onion gravy, faggots gained popularity during World War II as a resourceful way to use leftover meat. Today, they remain a beloved dish across the UK.

Masabeeb 📍Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 Learn more: Masabeeb, also known as masabeb, are small, round pancakes, a popular Arabian breakfast or dessert dish. These delightful pancakes are the perfect pairing for Arabic coffee or tea. The batter comprises whole wheat and white flour, eggs, vegetable oil, warm water, yeast, milk, and salt, resulting in a delectable treat enjoyed with the richness of golden honey and traditional ghee. Video: @15smeals

Happy Crêpe Day, France! 🇫🇷 Discover different types of crepes: Every year on February 2, France observes La Chandeleur, also known as Candlemas, a day dedicated to indulging in crêpes. The Catholic religious holiday falls precisely 40 days after Christmas, but it also traces its roots to an earlier pre-Christian celebration that marked the harvest and the midpoint of winter. Today's La Chandeleur combines elements from both of these traditions, ultimately centering around crêpes. The circular shape of the crêpe symbolizes the sun and the circle of life, while the act of eating and sharing them with others pays homage to the historical tradition of popes distributing food to the ones in need on February 2nd each year. Video: IG pizca.derafa

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Tête de Moine 🇨🇭at La Fromagerie Explore Switzerland: Tête de Moine is a semi-hard Swiss cheese with a unique way of serving. Instead of slicing, it is traditionally shaved into thin rosettes using a special tool called a Girolle. This technique enhances its aroma and texture, making each bite more delicate and flavorful. Originating from the Jura Mountains in Switzerland, Tête de Moine has been produced by monks at Bellelay Abbey since at least the 12th century. The cheese has a creamy, melt-in-the-mouth texture with a nutty, slightly tangy taste that intensifies as it ages.

Areeka 📍 Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 and Yemen 🇾🇪 Areeka is a traditional dessert that is prepared with a combination of mashed dates and crumbled bread such as khubz, while the additions usually include cream, condensed milk, honey, and spices. This filling dessert can be enjoyed for breakfast or as a light snack, and it is typically drizzled with honey and garnished with slivered almonds. Video: @hijazi_corner

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