Know your Radishes

The radish (Raphanus sativus) is an edible root vegetable of the Brassicaceae family that was domesticated in Europe in pre-Roman times.

They are grown and consumed throughout the world.

Radishes have numerous varieties, varying in size, colour and duration of required cultivation time.

There are some radishes that are grown for their seeds; oilseed radishes are grown, as the name implies, for oil production.

Summer radishes mature rapidly, with many varieties germinating in 3–7 days, and reaching maturity in three to four weeks.

• A common garden crop in Europe and the U.S.A., the fast harvest cycle makes them a popular choice for children's gardens.

• They are in season from April to June and from October to January in most parts of North America; in Europe and Japan they are available year-round due to the plurality of varieties grown.

Winter radish varieties produce large roots which may be round or elongated and white, red or black.

• They require a long season for full growth.

• The roots may be eaten raw with vinegar or cooked like turnips.

• The flavour of winter radishes is usually pungent and the texture more fibrous and less crisp than summer garden radishes.