Wasabi

Yes. Wasabi. It's good and for a reason far beyond adding to Japanese Cuisine.

I’m sure there is a German word for things that are used in one positiver way, and then are found to have another one quite different from the original. This has happened quite a bit in the pharmaceutical space, like with Minoxidil which was originally developed as a treatment for high blood pressure, minoxidil was found to have the unintended side effect of stimulating hair growth (it’s commercial name is Rogaine.)

Well, we have a new wonderful thing to this list of doubly positive substances.

Wasabi.

But before we get to this loveable mustardy paste (which also enjoyed a brief moment as the star of a Budweiser ad) let’s spend a minute worrying about Papyrus.

Papyrus, was a writing material prevalent in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome and other key places of human development. However, it’s not the durable of substances and lots of writings and drawings are at risk as a result. A primary issue is fungal degradation which can lead to fading, discoloration, brittleness and destruction. Traditional methods to treat fungal decay often employ harsh chemicals that risk damaging the already delicate artifacts or altering their pigments.

Enter wasabi, via researchers at the Grand Egyptian Museum who have found that wasabi vapor is remarkably effective in combating fungal growth on both painted and unpainted papyrus samples without compromising the integrity of the material or its visual characteristics.

Yes. You read that correctly. A major factor in our continued learning about classic societies is a vapor derived from that stuff in sushi restaurants.

Placing the paste in close proximity to papyrus samples within a controlled environment has proven to be a remarkable success. After exposure to the wasabi vapors, fungal growth was completely eradicated with no observed detrimental effects on the papyrus itself. Notably, the treatment even enhanced the tensile strength of the samples, further contributing to their preservation.

The stuff on the left could save the thing on the right!

This is not only perhaps the greatest factoid to keep in your “back pocket” at the next cocktail party you attend, but it’s a promising, cost-effective and environmentally friendly tool for preserving historical artifacts. Further studies are probably required, but come on….

Wasabi as a stalwart for the future of safeguarding our cultural heritage.

How good is this?!?!?!?

PS: Thanks to reader John for today’s Good Things.