Possible Clues:

• Plant used to be a bit short
• Used to be -- albeit oddly -- pungent Japanese stuff
• Did love trying either course in Asian condiment
• Condiment that can make your eyes water
• Sushi bar staple that brings a tear to your eye
• Japanese root cut up has quite a bit of a bite
• Used to be on a boat going towards island plant with hot reputation
• Condiment that's almost always actually horseradish in the U.S
• Japanese mustard
• Pungent green paste used in Japanese cookery