Crispy and juicy, spicy and sweet radish is a close relative of cabbage (there is some similarity even in the taste). Although this April does not spoil the weather, we are already crumbling these raspberry roots into fragrant spring salads with might and main – that’s right! Indeed, among all the early vegetables, radish is the main keeper of vitamin C, therefore it actively contributes to the restoration of immunity after a long winter. What interesting things can you tell about radishes? It turns out a lot!
- Radish was born in the Middle Ages as a result of the selection of radish, and until then the ancient world diligently cultivated its progenitor. The inscriptions on the pyramid of Cheops tell about the great role of the radish in the life of the Egyptians; the Greeks brought the “golden” radish to the altar of Apollo during the festivities; the Chinese prepared vegetable oil from its seeds, and juice, widely used in medicine, from root crops.
- Who, if not the Mexicans from the town of Oaxaca, demonstrate such a passionate love for radishes! Before the New Year, the Night of Radish is held here, during which everyone can try their hand at drawing up and cutting out various figures, compositions, scenes.
- The history of a strange but spectacular event began in the 16th century when radishes were first brought to Mexico: Spanish monks, in order to attract buyers, began to carve various figures out of it. By the end of the 19th century, this “eco-art” was so firmly rooted in the culture that it turned into the creative festival “Noches de Rabanos”, which is regularly held to this day.
- Radish is a dietary product: spicy mustard oil improves appetite, fiber stimulates digestion, and removes “harmful” cholesterol from the body, thereby protecting blood vessels from atherosclerosis, and in general, low-calorie roots contribute to weight loss. Another plus of radish is that it contains a large amount of protein, which is the main building material. In addition, along with delicious radish dishes, iodine, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc, and sodium, as well as sugars, fats, and vitamins (C, B1, B2, PP) enter our body. Essential oils contained in root vegetables, among other things, have antiseptic properties.
- Radish was one of the plants selected for growing at the space station in zero gravity – and there were several good reasons for this: the growing season is relatively short (20-45 days for different varieties), radish does not show any special needs for growth, vitamins, and nutrients more than enough, and you can also eat both the root crops themselves and young leaves. Therefore, radishes are one of the most convenient foods for growing in space, capable of supporting the health of astronauts.
- A proven fact: radishes are able to counteract the development of intestinal and lung tumors, which is especially important for smokers. This vegetable is useful for people suffering from obesity, metabolic disorders, heart and vascular diseases, thyroid dysfunction, and diabetes. But why wait for “weather from the sea” – it is better to indulge yourself with vitamin salads for the sake of prevention!
- Israeli farmer Nissan Tamir proudly displays the radishes he has grown, each weighing 10 kg.
- Grow a spring vegetable right in your home on a south window or balcony (or you need a little extra lighting) – it’s time for this in April. Then you can pamper yourself, as they say, “with tops and roots” – and not be afraid of poisoning yourself with fertilizers. For this happiness, you will need a pack of seeds of early ripening varieties, a pot or box, and a package of soil (preferably loose, with a neutral or slightly acidic reaction). Water the “pet” well, and in 20-25 days, you can harvest.
- The color of the roots can be not only pink but also yellow, purple, red, or white. By the color of the radish, it is easy to determine the content of vitamin C – most of all are found in rich red roots, less in light ones. Recently, a “surprise” hybrid radish was added to the list – on the outside it is green and bitter, and the core of this handsome man is scarlet and much sweeter. So he was dubbed – “watermelon radish”.
- Radish inspired designer Arthur Xin to create The ripe radish, an eco-friendly garden light. A creative mini-garden serves not only decorative purposes: throughout the day, the gadget accumulates solar energy, and at dusk it disinterestedly illuminates the lawn or garden, creating a romantic and slightly comic atmosphere. Well, in the “flowerbed” itself, the designer suggests growing … why not radishes.
