Mini Purple Daikon Radish

Mini Purple Daikon Radish

Raphanus raphanistrum subs. sativus

Image courtsey Wikimedia user melvil

Mini Purple Daikon Radish have a beautiful purple skin with deep purple streaks in the white flesh. Mini compared to other daikon (which means big root in Japanese), these grow to about 5” x 2.5” and can vary in shape from round to oblong.

Storage

To help them last longer, separate the roots from the leaves. Wash and thoroughly dry the greens and wrap in a towel and place in a loosely closed bag in your crisper drawer; use within 2-3 days. The roots will last longer stored in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator.

Preparation

The leaves can be eaten raw in salads, turned into a pesto; or cooked by adding to eggs, pasta dishes, sauteeing, and added to soups. The roots are delicious raw in slaws, salads, or cooked into stir fries, soups, and stews, or roasted. They are also delicious pickled.

Taste

The leaves are similar to other radish leaves with a peppery, sweet flavor. The roots are mild, subtly sweet, and peppery; theyget spicier in hot weather and milder in cooler conditions.

Nutritional Benefits

Daikon is rich in potassium and fiber.