Radish (Raphanus sativus) is an edible root vegetable from the Brassicaceae family. It varies in shape, size, and color. In the U.S., it is typically red, round, and the size of a golf ball, with a shiny and white interior. In most parts of Asia, the daikon variety – a long, white root – is much more common, as previously noted. Here Dr. Joseph Mercola, Mercola.com, reflects on benefits, culinary uses, and the need to add daikon to your diet:

“An old Chinese proverb states, “Eating pungent radish and drinking hot tea lets the starved doctors beg on their knees.”¹ There’s probably some truth to this saying, as radishes are among the most nutritionally loaded low-calorie vegetables you can enjoy today.²

Most radishes in the U.S. are known for their red skin and round shape, but have you ever tried the long and white Asian variety called daikon?³ Discover the various benefits and culinary uses of daikon, and why it’s worthwhile to add to your diet.

What Is Daikon?

You may know it as an Oriental radish, but daikon (Raphanus sativus var. longipinnatus)⁴ actually goes by many names, including mooli, Satsuma radish,⁵ Chinese radish and most notably, Japanese radish.⁶ In fact, daikon is Japanese for “big root.”⁷

Daikon is believed to have originated in the Mediterranean regions⁸ and eventually spread to Asian countries like Japan, China and Korea, where it is utilized in various

dishes.⁹ It is easily distinguished from other radishes by its large, vibrant green leaves and a long white root, resembling a pale carrot. Daikon can grow up to 18 inches long, and weigh 1 to 4 pounds.¹⁰

Daikon’s flavor is considered milder and less peppery than other radishes. Served raw, it is subtle and tangy with a crisp and juicy texture. When cooked, it tastes similar to cooked turnips.¹¹

Although the root is the most utilized part of daikon, it is technically a cruciferous vegetable.¹² In Asian countries, the root is commonly pickled and eaten as a side dish, or grated, cubed, or thinly sliced for addition to main dishes. Nevertheless, the leaves should not be thrown away, as they offer their own plethora of health benefits.¹³

You can enjoy daikon sprouts (called “kaiware” by the Japanese), which have a pungent and peppery flavor that adds a kick to sandwiches and salads.¹⁴ They are best consumed raw or used as garnish.¹⁵

5 Daikon Health Benefits

You can’t go wrong with adding daikon to your favorite meals, as it offers a multitude of nutrients that can be advantageous to your health.”

If you would like to learn other solutions to help control your health … click here?

Read More … Article Source: https://foodfacts.mercola.com/daikon.html