Radishes are a root vegetable belonging to the cabbage family. They, radishes, come in all sorts of colors, shapes, and sizes.
“Radishes were first cultivated thousands of years ago in China, then in Egypt and Greece. Radishes were so highly regarded in Greece that gold replicas were made. The radish did not make its way to England until approximately 1548. By 1629 they were being cultivated in Massachusetts.” *Source
Though low in calories these red beauties are high in potassium, vitamin C, folate (folic acid) and fiber.
Radishes are most commonly eaten with salads, but I also like to use them as toppings, and condiments on Mexican food. Recently I discovered how delicious they taste cooked. (Check out this recipe, Sauteed Radishes With Butter And Chives)
Did you know that radish greens are also edible? They make a great substitute for spinach. I usually add them to soups, stews and Indian Dhal.
The coolest thing I found out about radishes is that there is a festival dedicate to the humble radish in Oaxaca, Mexico. The Noche de Rábanos or Night of the Radishes is held every December 23. Radishes are carved into everything from nativity sets to anything else imaginable, then they are displayed in the town square.
I love the red variety but these white ones have also found a place on my plate. How about you, what is your favorite variety and way of eating radishes? Happy Sunday everyone!
Beautifully captured! I love the last shot.
Happy Sunday.
Cheers,
Rosa
Thank you Rosa! Happy Sunday to you too:)
I didn’t know that they come from china!
I didn’t know that either, just found out:)
Nancy…I love the red ones and I normally have them as salad. I must try out cooking them and see how they taste. Great post…now I know that they contains so much nutrients in them :) and that they came from China ! Love them in salad.
Hi Elin,
You should really try them cooked, they are so good. Thanks!
Great info about a vegetable I often take for granted–however much I like it. I recently learned, too, that it is delicious sautéed so I would like to try that sometime. I have never used their greens either. Lovely photos, as usual, Nancy!
Hi Jean,
I think many of us take radishes for granted because it seems like just a humble vegetable. Hence the “humble” in my title. Sauteed they taste really good, and the greens are good mixed like spinach greens. Thank you:)
Incredible snapshots. And I agree. the radishes taste wonderful when cooked.
Thank you Ansh.
Your photography is stunning!!! I’m not even a radish fan, but this makes me want to pick up a bunch. :) Beautiful!
Thank you Ali:)
Your photos are just so wonderful and inspiring. Gorgeous, really. The humble radish–who’d have thought?
Thank you so much Victoria:)
Your photography is fantastic. Love radishes and grow them in my garden. Do those white radishes in your photo taste like daikon radish?
Hi Suzi,
I bet they taste fantastic right out of your garden. Yes, the white one is very mild like Daikon. Thank you.
I’m actually making fish burgers tonight, which have a topping of finely chopped radishes, gherkins, capers and other goodies. Radishes create a great sharp flavour which lifts a lot of dishes.
My tummy just grumbled, your burgers sound scrumptious.
what a fun little feature! i do love radishes. my dad used to eat them raw, dunked in salt. yum. they are also great on tacos and other mexican food like you said!
Thanks Anna! I need to try them like your father.
loved the last shot. any special technique you use for lighting, nancy? all your photos are so awesome and gorgeous.
Thank you Dassana,
I’ve been practicing and learning photography for a while now. So it’s really a matter of practice, practice. Thank you:)
Thanks so much for including my sauteed radish recipe! I’m sure it goes without saying that I, too, love radishes. But I love this post, as it’s dedicated to the humble (and wonderful) radish. Gorgeous photos as well!
Hi Lindsay,
My pleasure, I loved your recipe. Thank you:)
Wow…very stunning photography! I love the the dramatic feeling I get from your pictures. We make pickles using radish (including green part) and it is so good! Love the bright red accent in the pictures.
Thank you Nami! I would love to try those pickles, they sound so good.
You know I love radishes, but your stunning photography makes them downright sexy! And I agree – their cool crispness goes perfectly with Mexican food – we had some tonight with tamales. Next on the agenda was roasting or sauteing them – and now that you suggest it – using the greens also :)
Thank you:) I’ve never thought of them as sexy, hehe. I bet they were fantastic with your tamales. Yeah, give them a try you’ll love it.
Hi Nancy I will have to join printrest just to have a whole board of your photos!
Hehe, thanks Tania that is so sweet of you:)
I’m a huge radish fan and have recently discovered the joy of cooking them as well but butter and salt will always be my favorite way to eat them.
Hi Sylvie,
I know I saw your radish post, it looked delicious.
Love these radish photos… I am actually hosting a radish linky party at http://www.2sisters2cities.com/2012/05/fresh-produce-tuesday-week-8-radishes as part of our Fresh Produce Tuesday series. I would love if you submitted this post!
-m
Hi M,
Thanks! I’ll stop by and check you out :)
Thanks for linking up!
-m
I adore radishes, and love roasting them or simply munching on them raw…gorgeous photos sweetie!
Me too, thank you!