RADISH

“A tiny radish of passionate scarlet, tipped modestly in white”.

Clementine Paddleford

Do you like eating crunchy radishes? These low-calorie and refreshing vegetables are a popular ingredient of fresh spring salads. In fact, radish is known for its juicy, strong, a bit pungent and sometimes sweet taste. But aside from its wonderful gustatory qualities, this root plant is also a storehouse of essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients that are extremely beneficial.

Radish, or Raphanus raphanistrum, is a subspecies of Raphanus sativus. This root vegetable belongs to the Brassicaceae family. It is native to Southeastern Asia, but was also grown by ancient Egyptians. Radish is an annual or biennal herbaceous plant which is cultivated mainly for the edible tap roots. The roots can be cylindrical, globular or tapering. They also vary in color from white and pink to purple, red or even yellow and green. As a rule, the flesh of the roots is white. The leaves are based in a rosette and have a lyrate shape. The white flowers appear in a brush-shaped inflorescence. The fruits are represented by little seedpods that can be consumed when young.

Parts Used: leaves, roots, seeds.

Chemical Components

• Vitamin С
• Folate
• Riboflavin
• Vitamin B6
• Minerals (copper, calcium, potassium, zinc, manganese, phosphorus, etc.)
• Fiber

Interesting Facts

• It is believed that in Ancient Egypt radishes, together with garlic and onions, were used as a “salary” to Egyptian workers who built the Pyramids.
• Radishes are a very fast-growing crop. They can grow from seeds into mature plants in just 25 days.
• When harvested at the appropriate time, the flesh of radishes is crispy and sweet, but if picked late, it becomes coarse and bitter.
• December 23 is the Night of Radishes in Oaxaca, Mexico. This night makes part of Christmas celebrations. A great variety of figures, objects and Nativity scenes are carved from radishes and displayed by Mexican sculptors.

Methods of Use

• Culinary use
• Oil
• Tinctures and extracts

Fresh Radish Salad Recipe

What you need:

• 2 cups of cut radishes
• 1 clove of garlic (minced)
• 1 cup of sliced cucumber
• 1/2 tsp of white sugar
• 2 tbsp of white wine vinegar
• 1/2 tsp of salt
• 1/2 cup of olive oil
• 1 tsp of crushed dill
• 1 cup of red onion (cut into slices)

Mix the radishes with salt and let them stand for around 10 minutes. Remove any liquid and add the cucumber and onion slices. After that mix together the olive oil, sugar, vinegar, garlic and whisk the mixture. Pour it over the vegetables and give them a stir. Your healthy and delicious salad is ready! Bon appétit!