Horseradish is most often harvested in the fall - either a tradition or a habit of reaping the labor of one's hands at the end of the season.
But this does not mean that the rhizome of the stubborn plant reaches maturity only by September. This is a misconception. In fact, it can be dug both in summer and spring, the only difference will be in taste.
By the way, the autumn rhizome of this plant is considered the most useful. It is also not so evil. But if you want it "hotter", then you should definitely dig up horseradish in the spring.
When to dig
Excavations can be carried out from April until the deepest autumn – up to November inclusive. It is not worth it in winter, even if the ground is not frozen.
But it should be remembered that spring horseradish is the most pungent and bitter. Its rhizome accumulates a large amount of phytoncides and other substances that determine the characteristic taste.
The autumn one will contain more sugar and nutrients, but will not be as spicy. And if we talk about autumn preparations, then there is no better time than the end of November (if frosts have not set in before then).
You also need to dig up the rhizome during the waning moon - in this case, the plant root will be stored better and will not rot so quickly.
The dug roots are dried in a dry room, not washed, and stored in a dark, cool place.
If you need to preserve the rhizome for a long time, it would be better to put them in a box and cover them with sand.
