After eating them all
week and sharing the pics on #TastyTuesday – here’s a little low down on the
radish…..
RADISH = An edible root
vegetable
- Domesticated in Europe in pre Roman times
- UK radish season = Mid April to mid October making them the 1st UK salad vegetable to come into season
- This could be due to their fast germinating and growing times – small crispy radishes can be ready for consumption within a month
- Hotter weather produces a “hotter” flavoured radish (ie a more peppery taste) and cooler weather a “cooler” tasting vegetable
- Radishes are mostly eaten around the UK and worldwide as a crunchy salad vegetable, but they can be cooked (as can their leaves)
NUTRITION FACTS:
- Radishes are 95% water, making them a great vegetable to boost hydration levels
- They hold approx. 1 calorie each (medium to large ones), that’s about 5cals per handful, or only 16cals per 100g!
- And for those watching the calories consider this: Another healthy snack = almonds but swap a handful or almonds for a handful of radishes and save yourself 1036 calories! OR swap rice cakes for radishes and save 385cals…..
- The humble radish contains a high percent vitamin C (making them a great antioxidant), along with vitamin B6 (making them skin kind as well)
- They pack a punch in minerals too, containing a good level of magnesium, copper, calcium, potassium, iron and folic acid – wow!
- They also contain a digestive enzyme – diostase – helping aid healthy digestion
- Radishes are low GI, helping stabilise blood sugars by releasing glucose gradually over time
GROW YOUR OWN?
Yep you could – as
mentioned earlier the British radish season lasts from mid April to mid October
– you can successfully grow them anytime during these months. They germinate and grow FAST – be ready to
harvest your crop in under a month if you’re lucky and like your radishes
small, sweet and crunchy!
The radish can also be
grown as a ‘companion plant’ as they suffer very few pests and/or diseases –
this may be due to their strong odour deterring insects…..?
For more on growing
radishes yourself check the Royal Horticultural Society website here:
www.rhs.org.uk/advice/grow-your-own/vegetable/radish (which also includes a great little summer salad recipe
from Nigel Slater – radish with mint and feta – sounds refreshing right?)
DRINKING A RADISH!
How about a radish bloody mary?
Or radish juice?
See the benefits of
juicing radishes here
And find a lovely recipe for radish juice here
Or radish smoothie?
http://passionaltelyraw.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/radish-detox-smoothie.html (uses the radish
root and leaves)
http://www.smoothie-handbook.com/radish-recipes.html (uses the radish leaves)
http://primaltoad.com/banana-radish/ (banana and radish – who knew?)
Finally - how about pairing your
radish with a good, clean crisp and fruity white or rose wine? Or possibly vodka?
Leading food and drink matching expert Fiona Beckett pairs vodka as a neutral
cool tasting spirit to compliment the slight pepperiness of the radish. Yep,
we’ll take that!
To find out more about our humble radish check this site – www.loveradish.co.uk for all the facts and
figures you may ever need!
Of course you can, as always contact us for more info too:
For consultation, workshops etc: bookings@nitakothari.com
To see more and/or share your images of radish juicing,
growing etc -
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**Please remember this is nutritional
advice ONLY (as is all other information and advice contained in this blog and
the websites and social media related to it) – none of the info or advice is
intended to override any recommendation from your GP or health professional**
