Horseradish

Horseradish - Photo by Fooding around

Horseradish is a root vegetable belonging to the cabbage family. It is related to mustard, wasabi and broccoli.

Horseradish is grown for its large tapered root. The roots have not much aroma until they are cut or grated. Then, because of certain enzymes, a chemical is produced which has a very pungent effect, similar to wasabi. After exposure to air it soon loses its pungency.

Names

Scientific
   Armoracia rusticana
Synonym
   Cochlearia armoracia
English
   Horseradish
   Kren
Dutch
   Mierik
   Mierikswortel
Spanish
   Rábano picante
   Rábano rusticano
   Raíz picante
French
   Radis de cheval
   Raifort
   Raifort sauvage
German
   Meerrettich
Italian
   Barbaforte
   Rafano

Taxonomy

Genus
   Armoracia
Family
   Brassicaceae
Order
   Brassicales

Basic information and facts

Origin:

South-eastern Europe and Western Asia

Distribution:

Worldwide but more common in temperate climates.

Annual, biennial, or perennial:

Horseradish is a perennial plant, but sometimes grown as an annual crop.

Flowers:

Horseradish has small, white flowers.

Leaves:

The leaves of horseradish are edible, but not commonly eaten.

Climate and weather:

Grows best in temperate climates.

Height:

Horseradish can be up to 1.5 meter tall.

Spacing:

Planting distance is usually about 60 to 75 cm.

Propagation:

Horseradish is propagated by planting the offshoots of the main roots.

Insect pests:

Small white butterfly Pieris rapae

Diseases:

Harvesting:

Horseradish is harvested about one year after planting by digging up the roots.

Uses:

The grated root of the horseradish plant is mixed with vinegar, after which it is called ‘prepared horseradish’. This is used in horseradish sauce and often served as a condiment with roast meat, or it is used in salads or on sandwiches. Horseradish is also used as a cheaper replacement of wasabi (Japanese horseradish).

Proverbs and Quotes

To a worm in horseradish, the whole world is horseradish.
When a worm sits in horseradish, it thinks there’s nothing sweeter.

Did you know that?

The Japanese wasabi is traditionally prepared from the wasabi plant, but is nowadays often prepared with horseradish.
Despite is name, horseradish is poisonous to horses.

Crop categories

Vegetables
Root vegetables
Medicinal plants
Food crops
Temperate crops

Pictures