“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.               

Row of radishes growing in the ground

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

washed radishes sitting in a bowl

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 used as a side dish sitting on a plate with other food

Radishes are a simple side to any dish.  

Sources: 

https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/radishes-big-flavor-in-a-small-package

https://garden.org/plants/group/radishes/

Resources: 

   

nourish me home book cover

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 book cover

Homegrown: illustrated bites from your garden to your table 

by Heather Hardison

Call Number: 635 HARDISON

vegetable gardener's cookbook book cover

The vegetable gardener’s cookbook: 75 vegetarian recipes that will help you make the most out of every season’s harvest 

by Danielle Majeika

Call Number: 641.65 MAJEIKA

Magda Born

mborn@kckpl.org

Community Services Librarian

Kansas City, Kansas Public Library

625 Minnesota Ave.

Kansas City, KS 66101

913-295-8250 ext 1103