Radish is a very satisfying crop because they grow really fast. It is a member of the mustard family and is related to cabbage, horseradish and turnips. Radish nutritional benefits date back to 2000 B.C. Still today, radish is used in very helpful ways, especially fighting off cancer while horseradish is known to assist with breaking up congestion. A healthy radish is firm to the touch, has a bright reddish color with green leaves that are excellent for juicing. Radish is considered a cruciferous vegetable that is one of the most nutritious root plants among ginger, rutabaga, celery root, onions and garlic.

Radish Nutritional Benefits

Stimulate the appetite
High in fiber, low in calories
Great source of Vitamin A, Vitamin B-complex and Vitamin C
Contains Phosphorus, Zinc, Folic Acid and Potassium
Helps maintain the health of the gall bladder and liver
Keeps the skin healthy
Aids with digestive problems, kidney infections and jaundice
Removes mucus and soothes headaches

How to Grow Radish for maximum nutritional benefits

Radish is the easiest, quickest plant to grow.
They can take 21 days under optimal conditions to reach maturity.
Plant fresh seed every two weeks to ensure you always have Radish ready-to-eat.
Seeds are planted about one centimetre deep and germinate within the first two or three days of planting them in.
If the Radish bulbs stick out of the ground, once grown, you can ridge soil up around them.
Plant Carrot and Radish seeds mixed together, as the Radish opens the ground and are faster growing.
The Radishes protect the Carrots while they're small and the Carrot can develop its root more easily after the Radish has been harvested.
Take care to thin them, so that the plants grow evenly and produce good roots.
Radish grows really well in container gardens.

Companions of Radish

Radishes enjoy the company of many plants including Nasturtiums, Squashes, Melons, Peas, Parsnip, Cucumbers, Tomatoes, Lettuces, Carrots, and Beans. Hyssop does not thrive with Radish. Radish flowers keep cucumber beetles at bay.

Tips on Harvesting and Cooking Radish

Radish can be eaten raw or pickled.
They add a nice crunchy texture to stir-fried dishes.
Try steam or saute the young radish leaves with equal amounts of spinach
Add the flowers and leaves to a salad.
Radish greens contain more Vitamin C than the root.
Harvest radish as soon as they are full grown. Do not let them go too long or they will be tough and tasteless.

Recipe using Radish
Radish Salad

4 -6 Radish
Cucumber
Lettuce
Parsley
Fennel
Sesame seed
Feta cheese (optional)
Oil for dressing
Lemon juice
Salt and pepper
Wash and slice the Radish.
Slice up the cucumber.
Break up the lettuce, fennel and parsley.
Toss all the fresh ingredients together and sprinkle with sesame seed and Feta.
Dress with oil and lemon juice.
Add salt and pepper to taste.
This dish makes a delicious side dish or a light lunch.

Radish nutritional benefits are stored in their root system. Not only is this vegetable smart but easy to grow, it is an easy vegetable to incorporate into our diet.

Author's Bio

Jeannine Davidoff is a mother, artist, writer, organic gardener, permaculture consultant, yoga teacher, freelance journalist living in Scottburgh, South Africa. My 21st century focus is on communicating knowledge and sharing my art. I have a blog that shows my collection of growing art, poetry and writings. I have a companion planting blog that describes individual plants,how they grow, their companion plants and antagonists, their herbal uses and nutiritional value.
In a series of articles, I'll explain How to Start an Organic Garden in 5 Important Steps. How to intergrate Organic Gardening with Companion Planting. What organic means and the benefits of having an organic garden companion planting.

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