“When radishes are in season, doctors should take a break.” Ancient Chinese proverb.
Radishes are the first spring vegetable to decorate our plates and salads. They come in many shapes and colors: white, red, and some are even black. Most are round, but some are elongated. They are very easy to grow and make a great gardening project for young children. In our region, radishes do best when planted in February. Hot weather turns radishes “woody,” and they are no longer edible. If you missed planting radishes this season, they could be planted again in early fall, or there is always next year. In the meantime, you can buy fresh radishes and a local farmers’ market.
Radishes are a member of the cruciferous vegetable family and are a cousin to the turnip. As with the turnip, the whole plant is edible, and their greens can be stir-fried or sautéed, for example, with garlic. Be adventurous and prepare for a tasty treat!
Food As Medicine
Radishes contain sulfurs, which are also found in broccoli and red cabbage and are very healthy. Radishes are said to detoxify the body. They also contain calcium and potassium that help lowerhigh blood pressure and reduce your risks for heart disease. The radish is also a source of natural nitrates that improve blood flow. Eastern Medicine considers radishes as a digestive aid improving the liver and stomach functions. They are also said to detoxify the body.

Radishes come in a variety of shapes and colors, varying from white to red and even black. They are round or elongated.

Most radishes vary between white and red.


They can be cut into interesting and complex shapes, especially in Asian cuisine, and can be fun for children’s lunch boxes.

Radishes are a simple side to any dish.
Sources:
https://garden.org/plants/group/radishes/
Resources:

Nourish me home: 125 soul-sustaining, elemental recipes
by Cortney Burns, Heami Lee and Mary Mitchell (Illustrator),
Call Number: 641.5973 BURNS

Homegrown: illustrated bites from your garden to your table
by Heather Hardison
Call Number: 635 HARDISON

by Danielle Majeika
Call Number: 641.65 MAJEIKA
Magda Born
Community Services Librarian
Kansas City, Kansas Public Library
625 Minnesota Ave.
Kansas City, KS 66101
913-295-8250 ext 1103