Are radishes healthy? We clarify the question and tell you which minerals are in the small tubers. We also give tips on how to best prepare radishes.
This is why radishes are healthy
Most people know radishes as a vegetable side dish or as a delicious ingredient in a salad that makes them slightly spicy. But the red tubers not only taste delicious, they are also healthy: radishes score with a variety of nutrients and contain, among other things Calcium, iron, folic acid, potassium, vitamin C and vitamin K. With just 14 kilocalories per 100 grams and a water content of around 94 percent, they are very low in calories.
Radishes: healthy thanks to mustard oil
Like all cruciferous vegetables, radishes also contain so-called mustard oils, which are responsible for the sharp taste of the tubers. At the same time, they have a positive effect on the body: Mustard oils have an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effectas they kill bacteria and fungi. The oils are particularly active in the gastrointestinal tract and therefore have a digestive effect. They also point according to the latest studies antidiabetic effects that positively influence blood sugar levels.
Sulforaphane is one of the mustard oil glycosides found in radishes. Him even will a cancer preventive and inhibitory effect on tumor cells but these properties have to be confirmed in further studies. In any case, it can be said that the regular consumption of radishes has a healthy effect on the body. Incidentally, small radishes are hotter than large ones and have a relatively higher proportion of mustard oils.
This is how you can prepare the healthy radishes
The unmistakable taste of radishes is particularly effective raw. For example, try our radish and apple salad, which is served with a spicy vinaigrette. This radish and radish carpaccio is also very tasty and is ideal as a vegetarian starter. You can also use the red tubers as a vegetable side dish stew in the panas in this recipe for pork tenderloin with radish. Did you know that the leaves are also edible? You can use it to make a delicious radish leaf pesto – perfect for using leftovers! You can find many more radish recipes with us.
Radishes: Commodity and storage
Radishes are in season from May to October. They are related to the radish and are available in different varieties. In addition to the round ones, for example also conical or cylindrical tubersIn addition, not all radishes have a red skin; there are also white, yellow or purple varieties.
It is advisable to consume radishes as fresh as possible, as they dry out quickly and lose their taste. You can store them in the refrigerator for a few days by wrapping them in a damp cloth or soaking them in a little water. We'll also tell you how you can plant radishes yourself – it's very easy and you can always harvest the vegetables fresh!