Ravishing Radishes
/Did you know that Peter Rabbit from Beatrix Potter’s stories is depicted eating long scarlet radishes, not carrots, in Mr McGregor’s garden?
Radishes typically have a sharp, peppery flavor. They’re rather a forgotten vegetable which have a host of health benefits and are well worth adding into your diet. They are rich in folate, fibre, Vitamin B2, potassium, copper, vitamin B6, magnesium, manganese and calcium – making them one of the most nutritious vegetables around! Their pungent flavor and natural spice can help eliminate excess mucus in the body and can be especially helpful when fighting a cold. Radishes can help clear the sinuses and soothe sore throats too. Radishes are a powerful detoxifier that helps aid in digestion and can assist in the relief of bloating and indigestion.
Radishes are Brassicas (or cruciferous veg like broccoli, kale and cabbage). They were grown in Europe in Pre-Roman times, although they are thought to have originated from Southeast Asia.
There are numerous varieties that differ in size, shape, flavor and colour. Growing your own radishes is simple and you’ll reap plenty of rewards. The entire plant can be used – so nothing goes to waste! The leaves and stems can be incorporated into juices and the roots into salads. Radishes germinate quickly and grow rapidly – some varieties are ready for harvesting in about 3 weeks. They serve as wonderful companion plants as their pungent odor deters pests and diseases.
Radishes are usually a cool season crop although they can tolerate a fair amount of heat. With a high water content and lots of vitamin C, as well as phosphorus and zinc, radishes can help keep your body hydrated and your skin healthy and glowing all summer long!
Snap Pea Radish Salad with a Lime Dressing.
2 cups sugar snap peas trimmed and sliced diagonally
1 shucked ear of yellow sweet corn
10 to 12 round red radishes, trimmed and thinly sliced
Dressing –
3 Tablespoons Lime Juice
½ Cup Coriander
Salt and Black Pepper to Taste
Mix the salad ingredients with their beautiful reds, yellows and greens. Blend the dressing ingredients together and pour over the salad to coat and give a lovely glossy shine to your dish. Allow the flavors to marry for a minimum of about 30 minutes and then tuck in!
If you’d like a more substantial meal, then add in a medium sized steamed, cooled peeled and diced orange sweet potato and then dot with some delicious roasted chili and goji berry chutney (made by Little Herb Garden).
Scrumptious and satisfying!
Coriander dressing
Radish Salad