5 Ways to Use Radishes

Winter Locavore Series #2b: How to Make Use of Winter Radishes

Winter Watermelon Radish

 
Aren't these gorgeous?  But maybe you've been a little put off because, well, they're radishes and not everyone likes radishes.  Or maybe you just didn't know what to do with them.

Well hesitate no more!   Last week I posted a recipe for quick pickled watermelon radishes, and this week I'm sharing several more ways to make use of them (and other winter radishes).

My apologies that I'm a little behind on posting this, I had an inflamed disc last week and was not feeling much like writing!  On the bright side, I'll soon be sharing a post on natural remedies for herniated discs!

So anyhoo, welcome to #2b of the How to Be a Winter Locavore Series!  Today I'm spotlighting on winter radishes, and in particular watermelon radish, because these beauties are super hot items at the farmers markets right now!  They're in season, they're cheap, and they're really attractive.

So what does Watermelon Radish taste like?

Well in my last post (#2a of the Winter Locavore series) I gave a little overview of them, and described them as "not quite as mild as Daikon radish (the Japanese radish that usually serves as a bed for sushi), but definitely not as strong as red radishes."

Why bother eating radishes?

They're good for you!  They're rich in antioxidants, Vitamin B6, riboflavin, copper, magnesium and calcium.  Sometimes in winter we tend to fall back on comfort foods, which usually means carb heavy stuff.  While radishes do have some carbs, they're full of nutrients so it's a good trade off. 

Where can you find winter watermelon radishes? 

The farmers market, CSA boxes, markets or produce stores that carry local produce, a particularly enlightened supermarket, your neighbour's backyard (maybe ask them first before you go foraging in their garden!).  I found mine at the Dane County Farmers Market for $1.50/ lb for organic radishes!  A sweet deal. 


What if can't find winter watermelon radishes?

If you can't find these pretty watermelon radishes, you can sub any other type of winter radish (i.e. black radishes), or daikon radishes or even regular ol' red radishes.  Just be aware that the flavour will be different.   

 So what can you do with winter radishes? 

The easy answer is that you can use these in any of the ways you'd use regular red radishes.  However, here's a list of some suggestions that will help you to incorporate radishes into meals in various ways so you won't get sick of them.

1.  In salads and as garnish.  Either on the side or mixed into salads. My Omi always made potato salad with radishes, and since potatoes are usually available from local farmers this time of year, potato and radish salad would make a great in season salad!

2. Mashed radishes.  Like most other root vegetables, you can mash radishes as a side dish. Scrub your radishes and boil in a pot of salted water until soft.  Drain and mash, seasoning like your favorite mashed potatoes.  I.e. a generous helping of butter, milk of choice, s & p, garlic powder, dill, etc

3. Radish chips Why not? Slice thinly with a mandoline (watch your fingers!) or knife, toss with a little bit of olive oil, s & p, and spread on a baking sheet.  Bake in 350F oven for 10 minutes, flip and bake until browned and crispy.  Be sure to check often so they don't burn.

4. Quick Dill Pickled Watermelon Radishes Because these are awesome.  Clicking on the title will take you to the recipe for these strangely addictive radishes.  You can also use these radishes in your winter potato salad!

5. Fermented radishes Yep. You can ferment radishes if you're brave (although it's not hard at all, some people are just weirded out by fermenting).  I haven't actually tried it yet, but I found this great looking recipe from mommypotamus that I might give a go soon.

I hope this helps you if you come across some local, in season radishes!

For more in the Winter Locavore series, check out:

Part 1: Where to Find Local Foods in Winter
Part 2a: Quick Dill Pickled Watermelon Radishes



Do you eat radishes?  What's YOUR favorite way to use them? 

5 Ways to Use Radishes

Have you checked out my gluten free pasta book  Recipes for Unusual Gluten Free Pasta: Pierogis, Dumplings, Desserts and More! ? Get yourself a copy and start making GF won tons, pierogis, dumplings, and orzo today :)  

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