Raphanus sativus Radish (Cruciferae)

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Raphanus sativus
Radish
(1 Page of 5)

The Raphanus sativus plant species is found in A plant of cultivation. the origin of which is obscure. It probably arose through cultivation. It is a member of the Cruciferae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Radish. Some home gardeners know the variety as R. raphinastrum sativus.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Raphanus sativus
Common Name:  Radish
Family:  Cruciferae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  The Japanese radishes have higher concentrations of glucosinolate, a substance that acts against the thyroid gland. It is probably best to remove the skin[160].

Mature Height:  0.45   Mature Width:  0.2

Habitat:  Not known in the wild.

Edible Uses: Young leaves - raw or cooked[37, 52, 104, 183]. A somewhat hot taste, and the texture is somewhat coarse[K]. As long as they are young, they make an acceptable addition in small quantities to chopped salads and are a reasonable cooked green[K]. A nutritional analysis is available[218]. Young flower clusters - raw or cooked[183]. A spicy flavour with a crisp pleasant texture, they make a nice addition to salads or can be used as a brocolli substitute[9, K]. Seeds - raw. The seed can be soaked for 12 hours in warm water and then allowed to sprout for about 6 days[244]. They have a hot spicy flavour and go well in salads[183, 244]. Young seedpods - raw[2, 37, 52, 104]. Crisp and juicy with a mildly hot flavour[K]. They must be eaten when young because they quickly become tough and fibrous[183]. Root - raw or cooked[2, 37, 52]. Crisp and juicy, they have a hot and spicy flavour and are a very popular addition to salads[183, K]. The summer crops do not store well and should be used as soon as possible after harvesting[K]. The winter varieties (including the Japanese forms) have much larger roots and often a milder flavour. These store well and can be either harvested in early winter for storage or be harvested as required through the winter[K]. An edible oil is obtained from the seed[2, 183].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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