Difference Between Radish and Horseradish
Despite their close relative relationships and similarities in plants, horseradish and radishes have very different flavors and use in the kitchen – so it’s useful to understand why and how they differ.
Traditionally, horseradish sauce is made from horseradish roots and used as a condiment since horseradish has a distinct, spicy taste. Raw or slightly cooked, radishes are a milder tasting vegetable.
Those reading this article wishing to grow horseradish and radishes in their garden should know that these plants grow differently and require different types of care. Continue reading to learn how to treat these plants, both in the garden and in the kitchen!
Radish vs Horseradish: Plants
Root vegetables, such as horseradishes and radishes, are grown primarily for their roots, although the leaves are also edible. Broccoli, kale, cauliflower, and cabbage are also members of the Brassicaceae family.
Although Raphanus sativus is the common radish, there are several varieties, which most people simply refer to as radish. There is no such thing as a horseradishes, they are a completely different species of radish.
Horseradish vs. Radish: Appearance
There is a significant difference between horseradish leaves and radishes roots, so you can easily tell them apart.
The leaves of horseradishes are oblong and several inches longer and wider than those of radishes. Horseradish leaves can reach 10-12 inches in length, unlike radish greens, which are only 1-2 inches long.
There is also a great deal of differentiation between the roots. A horseradish root has a white middle flesh, with a length of 7-10 inches, and is typically beige to light brown in color.
The roots of radish plants are round and usually quite small, especially if they are organic, sometimes only 1-2 inches wide. Daikon radishes, for example, are consistently oblong and sometimes have an elongated shape. On the outside, radishes are bright pink, but on the inside they are white, with some varieties being more of a purple hue.
Horseradish vs. Radish: Taste
You can usually tell the difference between horseradish and radish by the taste, but you have to try both to be sure! Radishes have a milder flavor than horseradish, but horseradish has a much stronger taste.
There is a sharp spiciness to horseradishes that is more noticeable in the sinuses and head rather than in the mouth itself. As an example, spiciness similar to that found in wasabi or ginger is quite similar to that in this flavor. Radishes and wasabi are both root vegetables!
There is a kind of spicy taste to horse radishes that is different from the heat in spicy chile peppers, so not everyone who enjoys spicy foods will like this. Additionally, horseradish is often pickled, increasing its acidity. Freshly grated horseradish has the strongest flavor.
Unlike radishes, which have a very mild and earthy flavor, radishes actually have a peppery taste. Almost like cracked black pepper, there is a hint of spice. The taste of radishes varies quite a bit, though some are more spicy than others.
When cooked, radishes become sweeter and can also be eaten raw. Radishes taste stronger when they have reached full maturity and are harvested late.
In addition to their mild taste, horseradish and radish greens also have a slight bitterness that makes them suitable for salads as well.
Horseradish vs. Radish: Uses in Cooking
Since horseradish and radishes have such different tastes, they are used differently in the kitchen.
The most common use of horseradish is as a condiment: ground into a sauce or pickled. An egg yolk, corn syrup, corn starch, and lemon juice are all ingredients in horseradish sauce, a popular way to use horseradish.
Various types of sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, and other meals can be served with this sauce or pickled horse radishes – it’s also sometimes used in Bloody Marys! Because it has a similar spice to wasabi and mustard, horseradish can be used in place of these ingredients.
Additionally, horseradish can be eaten raw or simply cooked as is. Cooking helps soften its sharp flavor by making it sweeter. Adding the horseradish last in the pan will retain its spice if you like its flavor.
A fresh, crunchy texture and flavor make radishes excellent in salads and sandwiches. As a condiment or pickled, they can also be used similarly.
The most common method of cooking radishes is on the stovetop or in the oven. Since they have a similar texture and taste to potatoes and can absorb flavors like potatoes, they’re very commonly used as substitutes or substitutes in keto recipes.
Radishes can be used in stews and casseroles in place of white turnips. As they add a similar crunch to salads and sandwiches, they can also be substituted for cucumbers.
Horseradishes are stronger than radishes, so you can substitute them in any recipe.
Whether you want to use the leaves of these veggies for salads, sandwiches, sauces, stir-fries, or anything else, they are versatile!
Horseradish vs. Radish: Texture
There is one characteristic that is completely the same between horseradish and radish, and that is their texture. They both have a tough, crunchy texture since they are root vegetables. It is possible to make a smoother puree for sauces if horseradishes are picked immaturely, however.
Due to their high water content, horseradish and radishes are crunchy and slightly moist. Radishes have 95% water content, while horseradishes have 85%.
Horseradish vs. Radish: Nutritional Contents
As root vegetables with similar compositions, horseradish and radish have comparable nutritional values. However, horseradish is more vitamin and mineral dense than other peppers because it has a stronger flavor.
Horseradish has a significantly higher vitamin C concentration than both of these vegetables. Calcium and magnesium are also better sources in this food. In addition to having a high amount of sodium, horseradish also has a high amount of potassium, which can cause health issues when consumed in excess.
Radishes still have lower concentrations of all the precious minerals, including zinc, iron, copper, and potassium, than horseradish.
Horseradish vs. Radish: Health Benefits
Horseradishes and radishes both contain vitamins and minerals as well as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory effects.
Horseradishes contain strong antimutagenic properties, which means they prevent cancer-causing mutations. The strong taste of horseradish stimulates your body and improves circulation and digestion in Chinese herbal medicine.
In high amounts, horseradish sauce and pickled horseradish can cause acid reflux, as horseradish is fairly acidic. Moderation is the key to enjoying any food.
Radish, on the other hand, has a neutral taste, making them alkaline. In addition to soothing upset stomachs, it can reduce the intensity of highly acidic or spicy foods. As well as being antibacterial, radishes also have antitumor properties in their leaves.
Horseradish vs. Radish: Growing
There are many similarities between these two plants, but their growth habits and ways of being used in the garden are very different.
As horseradishes take six to seven months to form roots, they should be planted in early spring. Fall is the best time to harvest them, either in October or November. It is very common for gardeners to simply leave horseradishes to overwinter and harvest them in the spring after they have overwintered.
Horseradish flavor comes from the root of the plant, not the leaf. The leaf is edible, but the root is what you want to use. The roots of the plant must be exposed in order to harvest it. Tubers are a type of large root system that can be saved and used by each plant.
For horseradish plants, you’ll need more space since the leaves are about a foot long and several inches wide. You’ll need enough space underground for the roots, since they are quite large.
You can grow horseradishes in full or partial sun, in regular potting soil, and they’ll tolerate cold temperatures and don’t need much water. Horseradish roots can continue expanding and deepening once the roots take hold, which makes them considered invasive plants.
Unlike radishes, which are very aggressive to the point of being invasive, radishes are also easy to grow. Radishes, on the other hand, are annuals that must be planted every year, unlike horseradishes.
Aside from the middle of the winter, radishes can be planted almost any time of year. However, if your winters are mild, you may be able to plant them in the middle of the season. If you are not expecting an intense frost, you can plant radishes anytime as they take about four weeks to form. The fall is the perfect time to add them to your vegetable garden.
In winter, Taikon radish (Raphanus sativus var. Longipinnatus) will grow without any problems as it has a high cold tolerance. Radish roots and leaves tend to be smaller when grown during the colder months.
Radishes are much smaller and are better suited for small containers or patio gardens than horseradish, which can be grown in containers. The container you use for growing horseradishes needs to be larger than usual.
Horseradish vs. Radish: Storing
Horseradish or radish have different shelf lives depending on how they are stored. Horseradish or radish roots can be stored in the fridge for up to three weeks after they are fresh. In addition, both plants’ leaves will remain fresh for a few days or up to two weeks when kept in the refrigerator.
You can pickle horseradish and radishes to extend their shelf life. Keeping pickled horseradish or radish for many years is possible with vinegar and proper sealing! Pickled veggies can last for several months once they are opened by storing them in the fridge.
In most cases, horseradish is used in prepared condiments, which once opened can last for months once sealed.
Don’t Be Fooled By the Name!
The name radish only refers to the botanical relationship between horseradishes and radishes and does not describe their differences.
It’s helpful to know the difference between these vegetables, regardless of whether you plan to grow them or just purchase them at the market. Their flavor is quite distinctive, and you don’t want to eat them by mistake. They grow differently in the garden as well as have a very different look.
The two root vegetables, however, can be easily distinguished by their looks, and are usually labelled in supermarkets. Remember that all condiments and sauces that contain horseradish are only horseradish- not radish!
