Guide to Radish

Radishes are probably one of the most popular vegetables in the world, and they are known for their crunchy texture and distinctive flavor. There are different types of radishes out there, and they can be spicy or mild, big or small, oblong or round. Different kinds of radishes can also have colors ranging from pure white, pink, green, and even black. In this article, we are going to get to know more about this versatile vegetable.

 

Types of Radishes 

  • Sparkler Radish – This type of radish has a round and bright red appearance along with a distinctive white tip and an all-white flesh. 
  • White Icicle Radish – This is a pungent radish type with white skin and flesh. It measures from five to eight inches in length. 
  • Cherry Belle Radish – This type of radish is round and red in appearance. This is the most common radish type, and you can find this in your local supermarket. It’s perfect for salads, too. 
  • White Beauty Radish – This type of radish is small and round with a juicy and sweet flavor. It has white skin and flesh.
  • French Breakfast Radish – This type of radish has a mild flavor, slightly pungent smell, and extra crunchy texture. This is perfect for eating raw or cooked.
  • Daikon Long White Radish – This type of radish can grow up to 1 inch in length and 3 inches in diameter. 
  • Fire and Ice Radish – Also known as oblong radish, this type of radish has a bright red color on the top half and pure white on the bottom half. It has a mild, sweet, and delicate texture and flavor. 
  • Easter Egg Radish – This type of radish can be pink, red, white, or purple. You can slice them thin to add texture, flavor, and color to your salads. 
  • Green Meat Radish – Also called as Misato green, this type of radish has green colored skin and flesh. It has a mild spicy flavor. 
  • Watermelon Radish – This type of radish is an heirloom radish that has white skin and reddish-purple flesh. This radish can grow as big as a baseball, and it looks like a miniature watermelon with a slightly peppery flavor. 

Can Radishes Grow Indoors?

Radishes grow best when they are seeded directly into the ground. They do not grow properly when they are started indoors for transplanting. This is because the root of the radish plant is the one that is harvested, and these types of the plant should not be disturbed when they are growing. Plus, radishes are quick to mature. That’s why starting them indoors is not a necessary move to speed up maturity.

Can I Grow Radishes in Pots?

If you have a container that is big enough along with loose and well-drained soil, then you can grow radishes in pots. But because this vegetable is quick to mature and they can be relatively hard in colder conditions, they are best grown outdoors and directly in the soil.

Why Do Radishes Become Pithy or Hard?

Overly matured radishes tend to become wood or pity and unpleasant to eat. To avoid producing this kind of radish, you need to know the ideal time to harvest your radishes. You can always check with your seed company to know the perfect harvest size based on the variety. Sometimes radishes become pithy or hard because of extreme heat conditions.

How Can I Know if It’s Time to Harvest?

The ideal time to harvest your radishes is when they are about 1 inch around. Winter radishes have different sizes, but they range from 2 inches to 4 inches in diameter when they are fully matured. Again, you can check with your seed company to know what is the ideal harvest size of the radish based on their variety.

Why are there some Radishes that are spicier than others?

The spice level of the radishes depends on their variety and maturity. Generally, the more mature the radish becomes, the spicier it will become. But some types of radishes can be more pungent compared to others, whether they are fully matured or not.

How Long Will Radishes Last in the Fridge?

Freshly picked radishes can be stored in the fridge for over a month. Just make sure that you will store them well in a resealable container bag and dry them before placing them in the bag. This is because excess moisture can cause them to rot.

Should I Remove the Radish Greens Before Storing?

Yes, you should remove them before storing them. If you want to use the radish greens in your recipe, you can remove them, wash, and spin them dry before storing them separately from the radishes itself. Just make sure that you rinse them thoroughly because they tend to be more sandy compared to the actual radish.