Easter Egg Radish Seeds For Planting (Raphanus sativus)

Description

With a tag from the Greek word for "fast appearing," radishes (Raphanus sativus) are aptly named. Like others in the family, Easter egg radishes reach maturity in just 30 days, and they bring a pop of color to salads and other dishes.

Originating in China and then moving to Greece and Egypt, these treats once served as payment to ancient pyramid builders. Residents of Oaxaca, Mexico appreciate radishes enough to give them their own festival, known as la noche de los rabanos.

These yummy white-fleshed root vegetables have skin colors that range from white to pink to crimson to purple, all in the same bunch. The green leaves, which grow from the roots above the ground, are also a delicious addition to your cooking.

Easter egg radishes are round, and, when picked when they reach the size of a large marble -- about 1 inch in diameter -- they are crisp and have a mild flavor. They grow rapidly when they get plenty of moisture, although they don't thrive in hot, dry weather. Radishes are susceptible to flea beetles and cabbage root maggots, but you can control the pests with floating row covers when you plant the seeds.

Radishes are a good source of Vitamin C, potassium, zinc, and dietary fiber, and they contain enzymes that promote good digestive health and have anti-fungal properties. They also have only 20 calories in a 1-cup serving. For a simple, delicious snack, serve them sliced with bread and butter. You can also dip them in melted butter and then let them rest on parchment paper until the butter sets. Grate them into salads or chop them for sandwiches, tacos, and stir-fries, or try one of these recipes.