Radishes can be found throughout the year, but in our country, farmers grow them from April to October, and right now in spring they are the first messengers among fresh domestic vegetables. And if you buy them completely fresh, you can use theirs too green leaves. You can make something out of them pesto. Just replace the basil with them.
Radishes are definitely worth including more often in your diet. Why are they so good?
It will support your immunity
Radishes are rich in vitamin C, which helps strengthen the immune system and participates in the formation of collagen, which ensures healthy skin and joints. In addition, they also contain a lot of beta-carotene, which is good for the eyes, potassium, which is a mineral that has a positive effect mainly on the heart and helps reduce blood pressure, and also folic acid. This is especially important for pregnant women, as it has a positive effect on the development of the fetus.
Protects against inflammation and cancer
Radishes contain substances called glucosinates, which are sulfur-containing compounds that are responsible for the pungency of radishes. And not only that. They can also reduce inflammation in the body and disrupt the growth of tumor cells. In particular, they have an effect on reducing the risk of lung and digestive tract cancer.
Spring radishes are the best.
• Author: iStock
They will help with spring detox
Thanks to the content of mustard oils and essential oils, radishes are among natural antifungals that destroy harmful bacteria and fungi in the body. They also help remove toxins from the body, clean the kidneys, liver and gall bladder.
Suitable for dieting
Radishes are a great helper in losing weight. They contain almost no fat, have a low content of carbohydrates and calories (only 14 kcal per 100 g) and a high fiber content, which ensures a longer feeling of satiety and supports good digestion.
Do not discard the radish leaves. It is perfect for salads or for making pesto
Radishes 3 times differently
Radishes are of course great raw, when you can fully enjoy their crunch and pungent taste. Heat-treated radishes are definitely worth a try. Thanks to baking, grilling or, for example, steaming, the heat is reduced and the radishes acquire a sweet taste. And pickled or fermented radishes are very tasty and healthy. Try these recipes:
Cucumber salad with radishes and dill
Cucumber salad with radishes and dill
• Author: iStock
What you will need:
- 1 bunch of radishes
- 1 salad cucumber
- 2 spring onions
- 1 cup of thick white yogurt or sour cream
- 2 tablespoons of chopped dill
- grinded pepper
- salt
Approach:
1. Wash the radishes and cut them together with the spring onion into slices. Cut the washed cucumber into thin half rings and put everything in a bowl.
2. Add yogurt or sour cream to the vegetables, add chopped dill, salt, pepper and mix. Ideally, serve immediately to keep the vegetables crunchy.
Roasted radishes
Roasted radishes
• Author: iStock
What you will need:
- 1 bunch of radishes
- 1 tablespoon of butter
- lemon juice
- ground white pepper
- salt
- chopped green parsley for sprinkling
Approach:
1. Heat the butter in a pan. Add the halved radishes, salt, pepper, drizzle with a little lemon juice and sauté for about 6 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Sprinkle the radishes with chopped parsley and serve as a side dish to roasted or grilled meat or as a light vegetarian meal supplemented with, for example, pastries.
TIP: Use other herbs for seasoning. For example, thyme is excellent.
Pickled radishes
Pickled radishes will acquire a beautiful pink color.
• Author: iStock
What you will need:
- 500 ml of water
- salt
- 50 ml of white wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of cane sugar
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon of mustard seed
- 2 bunches of radishes
Approach:
1. Bring water to a boil in a pot, add a pinch of salt, wine vinegar, sugar, bay leaf, mustard seed and boil for 5 minutes.
2. In the meantime, clean the radishes, cut them into slices or quarters and divide into smaller, thoroughly washed canning jars.
3. Pour the hot pickle over the radishes, close the jars and sterilize for 20-25 minutes at 90 °C. After cooling, store them in a cool place.
Try other recipes:
Creamy radish soup
Crispy roasted radishes
Radish spread
Lentil salad with radishes and feta
Grilled pak choi with radishes
10 ideas to enjoy radishes: In a salad, on the grill, from the oven and pickled
Radishes in seven ways: Try a recipe for a spread or radishes with egg