Florida’s Rad Radishes
Florida radishes are a super healthy root vegetable. These veggies provide a good source of vitamin C, magnesium, and potassium. The vitamins and nutrients contained
inside of these crunchy radishes help to naturally reduce the risk of high blood pressure, cancer, and heart disease. In addition to these health benefits, radishes are very low in calories, only having 19 calories in one cup of sliced radishes. You can’t beat a veggie that is grown fresh in Florida, healthy, and yummy!
Radishes are typically grown in North and Central Florida. You can find them fresh in Florida grocery stores from September through March. There are five different varieties of radishes typically grown in Florida: White Icicle, Daikon, Cherry Belle, Champion, and Sparkler. This crop grows extremely fast, being produced from a seed and ready for harvest in only 25 days!
When shopping for radishes in the grocery store, you should look for a firm vegetable with leafy green tops, having no sign of decay. To keep your radishes fresh, it is best to store them in the refrigerator in a perforated plastic bag. Radishes will typically keep fresh for approximately three to five days. Always make sure to clean these veggies by washing them under cold, running water before eating them as a yummy snack! Radishes are very easy to prepare; all you need to do is trim off the tops and bottoms and you are ready to go. Radishes are a crisp and crunchy vegetable that typically has a fairly neutral flavor with a slightly spicy bite to them. Traditionally, radishes are eaten raw with salt or made into a fresh slaw. They pair well with herbs such as dill and thyme.
For your enjoyment, try out a radish recipe courtesy of Fresh From Florida!
Did You Know?
· Even though the taproot of a radish is the most common part eaten, the leaves and stems are edible too!
· Radishes are a member of the Brassicaceae family, being closely related to cabbage and mustard.
Content courtesy of Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumers Services and Fresh From Florida.
Information compiled by: Avianna Liuzzo