Radishes are one of the hardiest vegetables known to man. They grow quickly, suffer from relatively few pests or diseases, can be harvested easily and almost the entire plant is edible. Did you know that radishes are excellent both raw and cooked?!?
Perhaps best of all, radishes can be sourced locally year round in New England. Though some varieties are more closely associated with spring or summer, radishes are a solid storage crop and have become one of the best ways for locavores to add an extra kick of flavor to their winter meals.
There are numerous varieties of radish out there to try. Sometimes it seems like we have more radishes available at Boston Organics than J.P. Lick’s has flavors of ice cream.
Each variety has a unique color and flavor profile, but most radishes can be used interchangeably in your favorite recipes for salads, soups and slaws.
Scroll down to learn more about the radishes our farmers are growing this year, or skip to the bottom of this post for our 5 favorite radish recipes.
Red Globe Radishes
Though they are perhaps the most iconic looking radish, these little radishes, often called breakfast radishes, are too often overlooked for the main course and used simply as garnish.
Indeed their mild peppery flavor is a nice addition to salads or crudités platters, but give these small bulbs a few minutes in the oven with some salt and olive oil and their sweeter flavor really pops.
Watermelon Radish
Watermelon radishes are a classic lesson in not judging a book by its cover. They have one of the most unassuming pale green exteriors, but slice open a watermelon radish and you’ll discover an explosion of bright red and rich magenta tones.
Aptly named after the summer fruit for its similar coloring, watermelon radishes are one of our favorite winter veggies simply because of its ability to brighten up even the most basic meal and grey winter day.
Be warned that watermelon radishes tend to lose their color and flavors more easily than other varieties once cooked, so we suggest eating these radishes raw or try giving them a quick pickle (watch this very dramatic video).
Daikon Radish
Though the daikon radish lacks the eye-catching colors of some of its radish brethren, the size and shape of these Asian radishes is impressive. The long narrow root is one of our most popular radishes because it’s so easy to prepare and store.
Like a salami, simply slice a few medallions off the end of a daikon and save the rest for later. You may want to cover the exposed end with plastic wrap before storing the daikon in your fridge.
Black Radish
You know you’ve reached the dead of winter when even your fresh vegetables start to look frost bitten. But don’t despair, beneath the black radish’s harsh exterior is a pearly white flesh and one of New England’s most flavorful locally grown organic root veggies.
Black radishes make great radish chips and they pair particularly well in salads with the juicy blood oranges that tend to ripen towards the end of winter.
Radish Medley
Winter Moon Farm in Hadley and Kitchen Garden Farm in Sunderland, supply us with the rainbow of radishes we're able to share with you - red globe, green meat, spicy red akane, watermelon, the list goes on!
These vibrant winter roots are as spicy as they are colorful. We recommend thinly slicing these beauties onto a salad or shredding them into a dressing of rice vinegar, fresh lime juice, toasted sesame oil, and honey. But watch out, a little goes a long way!
Our 5 Most Delicious Radish Recipes
Honey Butter Roasted Carrots and Radishes
Watermelon Radish and Kale Wrap
