These gorgeous root vegetables are so much more than a salad topper.
That is why they’re often some of thespring’s first new crops.
These arent just any radishes though.
Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox
Slice into one to reveal the bright watermelon-colored flesh thats mild with a peppery bite.
Read on to learn more about these pretty radishes and how to use them in your cooking.
What Are Watermelon Radishes?
Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox
Watermelon radishes are an heirloom variety of thedaikon radish, a white tubular radish.
With its bright reddish or pinkish interior, the radish’s name is certainly fitting.
It’s the same family ascauliflower and broccoli.
Credit:Frederick Hardy II, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley
These plants can handle colder weather when other crops cant handle the drop in temperatures.
Watermelon Radish Season
Watermelon radishes grow best in late fall through the spring.
it’s possible for you to find them at farmers markets and Asian grocery stores.
What Do Watermelon Radishes Taste Like?
Radishes are known for their spicy, peppery kick.
Watermelon radishes are a bit more subtle with hints of black pepper.
Sometimes these radishes are compared toarugulabecause of their flavor.
Want a more neutral flavor?
Cook them, and the flavor will be more subtle.
Wrap them in a moist paper towel, and store them in thecrisper drawer.
Refresh the paper towel every few days.
Did you cut up one but dont want to use all of it in one go?
The radishes can also be grated or thinly sliced and added to acoleslaw.
Another bonus of this variety of radish is you dont have to worry about peeling it before eating.
Just check that you scrub it, and remove any dirt.
Dont toss the greens, either.
