Fresh and prepared horseradish are similar but have some distinct differences.
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Horseradish is one of those ingredients you instantly recognize the moment it hits your tongue.
It’sspicy, but not like cayenne or a habanero.
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Instead, its heat washes through your sinuses and can make your eyes water.
What Is Prepared Horseradish?
Prepared horseradish is fresh grated horseradish preserved invinegar.
It can also contain other ingredients like salt, sugar, and sometimes spices.
Don’t confuse prepared horseradish withhorseradish saucesthough.
This is called cream-style horseradish, and the company still sells a version of it today.
You’ll often find premade, shelf-stable horseradish sauces for sale in the condiment aisle.
What Is Fresh Horseradish?
Fresh horseradish is a plant in themustard familyand is a cousin of broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts.
It’s also traditionally used on JewishSeder platesas a bitter herb, used to represent the bitterness of slavery.
Fresh roots can be found in the produce section of some, but not all, grocery stores.
If you do find it, look for firm roots, with no visible signs of spoilage like mold.
You should also avoid roots that appear dry or shriveled.
Horseradish can add a delicious zing to many dishes, fromdeviled eggstopotato salads.
Here are a few of our favorite recipes that put the spicy condiment to good use:
