Produce Briefs...
Mangosteen
The Purple mangosteen, botanical name Garcinia magostana, simply referred to as mangosteen, is an ultra-tropical slow growing evergreen tree that is cultivated for its edible fruit.
White Corn
White corn is a sweet corn variety. Its ears are wrapped in tightly layered pale lime green to white husks. One ear of corn can contain up to 400 kernels growing in rows lengthwise.
Seasons/Availability
Sparkler radishes are available in the late winter through spring.
Current Facts
The Sparkler radish, botanical name Raphanus sativus, is a member of the Cruciferae Brassicaceae family. Radish varieties can be divided into four types: Western (small salad type, Oriental(large and sweet) such as China Rose and Daikon, Leaf (small taproots cultivated for feedstock), and rats-tail radishes (cultivated for edible seedpods). The Sparkler radish is a Western radish type. It is an heirloom variety that is also known as White Tip and Sparkler White Tip.
Description/Taste
The Sparkler radish is very classic in appearance. Its edible roots are petit spheres with thin wiry taproots. The skin's coloring is two-toned with the top of the roots near the plant's leaves a deep watermelon red and the bottom half, creamy white. The Sparkler radish's flesh is translucent white, crisp yet tender. Its flavor is mild and earthy with overtures of sweet pepper. The leaves of the Sparkler radish are also edible, providing a spicier lift and textural alternative to the roots. Once the Sparkler radish matures, it will bolt, producing edible flowers and seed pods with flavors reflective of the root.
Applications
Sparkler radishes can be served for fresh eating or cooked and served hot or cold. If cooking, the best method is slow-roasting as it will bring out a tender, rich and sweet quality in the radishes. Sparkler radishes pair well with chives, parsley, fennel, apple, cheeses such as feta and chèvre, butter, creamy based dressings, vinaigrettes, bacon, white fish, cucumbers, mild salad greens, cooked eggs, citrus, cilantro and mint.
Geography/History
Radishes are unknown in the wild state but their cultivated origins evolved in the the eastern Mediterranean region. The Sparkler radish is a natural strain of an old scarlet white tip turnip. Radishes are perhaps the fastest maturing plants in nature. Sparkler radishes can reach maturity within twenty days of sowing. Once the root becomes visible, they can be pulled. This means they must be harvested often, as the root become sharper if left in the soil for too long. Radishes are also very much like lettuces and pea plants, too, preferring cool season for best growth and sweeter roots. Summer crops tend to bolt to seed quickly as well as producing sharp pithy roots and sunburnt leaves.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Sparkler Radish. One
is easiest, three is harder.
