Round or cylindrical, red with bright green tops, crispy and spicy in taste - this is how everyone knows and loves radishes.
Both experienced and even novice gardeners strive to provide themselves with this root crop by growing radishes in their own beds. But you can also simply buy it, without bothering yourself with cultivating the beds, planting, weeding, watering, etc.
The question of which radish to choose is not very difficult. The main thing is that its fruits are firm to the touch, sold with tops and have no signs of damage by insects. And when is the best time to buy it?
In May, European varieties of radish appear on the shelves. They are usually round or cylindrical in shape, have a variety of colors (there are red, white, and even yellow radishes), and their taste is quite pleasant, but can also be too spicy.
And the radish that supermarkets sell all year round grows in China. And it is easy to distinguish it from its European "brother": the radish fruits are usually round, red, pink or white, and the taste is somewhat bland, and there are fewer vitamins in Chinese varieties.
By the way, about vitamins and other useful substances contained in radishes.
The sharp taste of root vegetables is due to the presence of mustard oils, which help fight bacteria and the diseases they cause; radishes contain a lot of vitamin C, which strengthens both the immune and vascular systems; the potassium contained in this vegetable is good for the heart and muscles; fiber, which radishes are also rich in, will help improve digestion and bowel function.
It is useful to eat radishes when on a diet, when coughing, to prevent constipation and simply because it is very tasty and crunchy. But in order for this root vegetable not to lose its elasticity, juiciness and aroma, it is important to store it correctly.
The best place for this is the refrigerator. Moreover, you need to cut off the tops of the purchased radishes: with a green top, it will last no more than five days, and without the tops and in a bag with holes for ventilation - up to 3 weeks.
How to usually eat radishes and what to combine them with
It is used simply as a snack or a side dish, but more often radishes are used in salads.
Cut several ripe fresh radishes into half circles, add a freshly chopped cucumber, some green onions and young dill, season this whole mixture with sour cream or mayonnaise - and a delicious summer or spring salad is ready.
To make the salad more filling, you can add green peas or pickled mushrooms (champignons are great) to the vegetables.
At night, it will be healthy and tasty to drink a portion of kefir, adding finely grated radish, two tablespoons of chopped herbs and a little salt to the fermented milk drink.
And in the morning, prepare yourself an omelet with vegetables for breakfast, replacing the spinach in the recipe with radish tops.
Yes, green leaves cut from radish fruits can also be used in cooking. For example, together with onions, parsley and dill, it is acceptable to chop radish tops and then add these chopped parts to okroshka.
Radish goes well with hummus, feta cheese, peanut butter. Considering this circumstance, feel free to prepare various sandwiches with this vegetable.
For example, spread a slice of bread with hummus, put a slice of ham on the spread, and a leaf of lettuce on top of it, and decorate the whole sandwich with slices of fresh radish. You will get an appetizing-looking and very interesting-tasting dish.
Previously, we talked about the scientifically proven beneficial properties of coffee .
