Produce Briefs...
Wasabi
Wasabi is a perennial and a member of the Cruciferae family. It is grown mainly for its underground rhizome (tuber) which produces branch-less, edible leaves above ground. A mature wasabi root is firm, cylindrical, brown and green-skinned and tapered.
Green Shishito Chile Peppers
Japanese peppers are mildly spicy and most often prepared cooked. Saute peppers in olive oil, over high heat, until they just begin to blister- serve hot, sprinkled with sea salt.
Seasons/Availability
Available year round, Black radishes peak in winter and early spring.
Description/Taste
Encased in a black or dull brown skin, the Black radish resembles the turnip in size and shape. Large and round, this variety can grow to three and one-half to four inches in diameter. The crisp white acidic flesh offers a sharp pungent bite.
Nutritional Value
Low in calories, one-half cup has about 10 calories. Radishes are a good source of vitamin C and provide potassium and magnesium.
Applications
Sauté and braise; serve as a vegetable side dish. Enhance with chervil, chives and parsley. Cook like a turnip and smother in cream. Add to stir-fries. Dice; add flavor to soups and stews. Grate raw into mixed green salads. Ideal as an hors d'oeuvre on vegetable trays with an assortment of tasty dips. To store, remove greens; wrap radishes in plastic.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Ancient Egyptians made use of radish-seed oil before the olive was around. The Night of the Radishes is a Chistmas Eve celebration in Oaxaca, Mexico, when large radishes are cut into animal shapes. England once held a Radish Feast on May 11, a springtime festival that greeted the radish which included brown bread and butter, lots of radishes and huge quantities of English ale.
Geography/History
The radish was first cultivated thousands of years ago in China, eventually making its way to Egypt and Greece. An ancient vegetable, radishes were grown in Egypt before the pyramids were built. The radish was one of the seven basic foods which included wheat, beans, peas, turnips, cabbage and onions that were cultivated in primitive Europe. The Romans were familiar with this root around the beginning of the Christian era but the radish didn't appear in England until 1548. In Massachusetts, pilgrims were cultivating radishes in 1629. An import from eastern European cuisines, Black Spanish is the name for commercially grown black radishes available in round and long varieties.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Cueva Bar | San Diego CA | 619-269-6612 |
| Davanti Enoteca | San Diego CA | 858-519-5060 |
| Baja Asiatio | Tijuana CA | 619-890-4448 |
| J six | San Diego CA | 619-531-8744 |
| Brooklyn Girl | San Diego CA | 619-296-4600 |
| Waters Catering | San Diego CA | 619-276-8803 ex 4 |
| Beaumont's | San Diego CA | 858-459-0474 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Black Radish. One
is easiest, three is harder.Recently Spotted
People have spotted Black Radish using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
Produce Spotting allows you to share your produce discoveries with your neighbors and the world! Is your market carrying green dragon apples? Is a chef doing things with shaved fennel that are out of this world? Pinpoint your location annonymously through the Specialty Produce App and let others know about unique flavors that are around them.
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Whole Foods Market Near Lake Grove, New York, United States About 74 days ago, 4/06/13 Natoora London Near Bradford, United Kingdom About 129 days ago, 2/10/13 Whole Foods Market Near Lake Grove, New York, United States About 144 days ago, 1/26/13 |
