What Makes Radishes Spicy and 8 Radish Recipes to Try
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Radishes are crunchy, low in calories ad high in potassium, vitamin C, folate (folic acid) and fiber. They are a natural decongestant (great for the winter months) and easy to grow and find just about anywhere in the world. Radishes come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes.
Depending on the part of the world you are in, as well as the time of the year, you may be accustomed to seeing little red ones, medium-sized ones in black, or long white ones (called daikon). If you’re really lucky you may be able to find these and many other varieties in your local store or farmers markets year-round. The one delicious commonality between them is that they all have a slight piquantness to them.
Though not as spicy as chili pepper or horseradish root, their extra mild “heat” is a great flavor, but what exactly makes radishes spicy? According to Wikipedia, the flavor is "caused by glucosinolates and the enzyme myrosinase, which combine when chewed to form allyl isothiocyanates, also present in mustard, horseradish, and wasabi."
Another factor that can affect the piquantness of radishes is their size. The larger the radish, and the longer it is allowed to grow, the spicier it will become. Also the hotter the weather in which the radishes are grown, the spicier they’ll taste.
Try these delicious eight radish recipes.
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(German) White Radish Salad
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This recipe by Jennifer McGavin, German food expert, is made with white (daikon) radish and is a tradition in German cuisine. So simple, yet so delicious.
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Daikon Radish “Rice” with Gochugaru and Fried Egg
Ali Maffucci / Inspiralized.com
If you follow a gluten-free or Paleo diet, this recipe is one to add to your meal plans. The dish is light, nutritious, and has a lovely touch of spice from the gochugaru or Korean red chili pepper powder.
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Berry, Beet, and Radish Juice
Susan Walter Sink of TarheelFoodie.com Susan, of TarheelFoodie.com, suggests adding radishes to your morning juice, raising it to a whole new level. Her berry, beet, and radish recipe is a must-try.
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Probiotic Fermented Radish Pickle
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Leda Meredith's radish pickle is great if you're interested in a new flavor in radishes. It has an additional spiciness from the red pepper flakes included in the recipe.
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Daikon Vegan Patties by One Green Planet
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These vegan daikon patties by Melanie of One Green Planet are truly unique. They're perfect as a snack or a light lunch.
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Easy Red Radish Kimchi Recipe
Jeanette Chen / JeanettesHealthyLiving.com
Jeanette of Jeanette's Healthy Living makes kimchi an easy food to prepare with here red radish kimchi recipe. You'll love everything about her amazing recipe!
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Pico de Gallo with Red Radishes
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If you're not a fan of raw onions they can easily be replaced with radishes in many recipes, such as this basic salsa.
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As Danish Smorrebrod
SpicieFoodie.com Thinly sliced radishes on top of buttered rye bread are as delicious as they look.