Radish is a herbaceous plant belonging to the mustard family. It comes from Southeastern Asia, where cultivation began 2700 years ago. Radishes were also popular among the ancient Egyptians. Radishes were first cultivated before the pyramids were built. Today, radish is equally popular. It prefers a cooler climate and grows quickly in the right conditions (enough sun, fertile soil and moisture). People grow radish as a food source. Aside from that, radish has applications in medicine and the fuel industry.
Interesting facts about Radishes:
The radish plant can grow to be 6 feet tall and 3 feet wide. The size of the root varies depending on the variety. Rounded varieties are typically 1 inch wide, cylindrical varieties are 7 inches long, and carrot-like varieties can grow to be 24 inches long. The largest radish (root) ever recorded was 3 feet long and weighed 100 pounds.
Radish has rosette-shaped green leaves that are strap-like or lobed.
Radish flowers are white and arranged in a racemose inflorescence. Insects are the primary pollinators of flowers.
Radish fruit is an edible pod containing seeds.
Radish is commonly grown for its edible root. The color, size, shape, and flavor of the root vary depending on the variety. The most common colors are white, pink, red, purple, yellow, and green.
Radish grows rapidly. The seed begins to germinate three to four days after planting, and the radish can be harvested three to six weeks later.
Radishes are classified into two types based on when they are planted. The summer varieties are planted in the spring. They are typically round and pink in color. Winter varieties are planted at the end of the summer. They are typically elongated and white in color, with a stronger flavor than summer varieties.
Radish is a good source of vitamin C and B vitamins. It also has fiber and minerals like potassium, calcium, magnesium, copper, and manganese.
Radish has a peppery flavor that ranges from mild to hot and a crunchy texture. It is commonly eaten raw in salads, but it can also be pickled, boiled, or fried.
Fresh leaves can be eaten as salad, but they are less popular than the root. Spices can be made from seeds.
In the past, radish was used to treat kidney stones, intestinal parasites, and bad skin in the United Kingdom.
Radish can be used to relieve stomach pain, aid digestion, eliminate excess body water, and regulate blood pressure. It contains a substance known as sulforaphane, which has the potential to prevent the development of cancer.
Radish is a very popular vegetable. The weight of 40 blue whales is equal to the annual amount of radishes sold in the United Kingdom.
Before olive oil was discovered, the Ancient Egyptians consumed radish oil.
Oilseed radish is a type of radish grown for its oil, which is used as a biofuel (type of fuel that does not pollute atmosphere like conventional types of fuels).
Radish is typically grown as an annual plant (plant that completes its life cycle in one year).
