The most well-known variety of radish is the Red Globe. This radish is small (1-4 inches) and has red and white coloring. It is commonly eaten whole or sliced on salads. Other varieties of radishes grown in the United States include Daikon, Watermelon or Beauty Heart, Black Spanish, and French Breakfast.

Winter radishes, like Black Spanish, are planted in mid to late summer and grow to be much bigger than spring radishes. They store well into the winter.

Nutrition and Seasonality

Key Nutrients

Vitamin C – Helps wounds heal, is important for the immune system, and is an antioxidant, which protects our cells from damage.
Potassium – Helps maintain normal blood pressure.
Fiber – Keeps digestion running smoothly.

Seasonality

Fresh, small, red radishes grown in Wisconsin are available from May through June.

Try New Foods

Introduce new foods prepared in different ways.

Radishes can be sliced and served raw. They can also be cubed and roasted in the oven.

Select: Choose smooth, brightly colored radishes.
Store: Remove tops before storing. Refrigerate radishes in a plastic bag and use within 1 week.
Prepare: Rinse under cool running water.

Add Radishes to Your Favorite Family Meals

Add cubed daikon radish to a pot roast or a pan of roasted vegetables.
Sprinkle sliced fresh radish on soup, stew, or posole.
Eat raw radishes with plain yogurt or ricotta cheese dip.

Books

Growing Vegetable Soup by Lois Ehlert
Tops and Bottoms by Janet Stevens
The Vegetables We Eat by Gail Gibbons

Slow Roasted Radishes

Place daikon radishes in a baking pan or slow cooker with chopped carrots, onions, garlic, low-sodium seasonings, low-sodium vegetable broth, and lean meat. Turn on low and let the juices and flavors start mixing for an all-in-one meal!

Garden Connection

Planting

Radishes are a great vegetable to use when learning the basics of gardening. Radish seeds germinate quickly, grow fast, and are ready to eat in just over three weeks! Plant spring radishes in early spring. Sow seeds ¼ to ½ inch deep and ½ to 1 inch apart. Make sure to keep the soil moist.