Elegant, Nutritious Radishes

The elegant radish is a cruciferous vegetable. This compact anti-oxidant stalwart protects human cellular structures and DNA from damage caused by free radical toxins. The radish is popular in France as a fresh food at breakfast, sometimes dipped in fluffy butter. It is common knowledge that the radish is an effective liver-tonic, as it contains sulphur-based chemicals that increase the flow of bile. They likewise promote gall-bladder health. Radishes and their greens contain high levels of vitamin-C. They are also rich in potassium and calcium, with traces of molybdenum. 

In the home garden, radishes grow quickly and can be harvested in as little as three weeks, when their above-ground leaves are about an inch wide. Radishes can be planted in most types of soil with no fertilizing agents. A bit of garden compost mixed in with well-turned soil will enhance growth of these cool-season vegetables. In many regions, it is time to plant  radishes, before the weather becomes too warm for them to thrive. Check your radish seed-packet for more guidance on growing these elegant, piquant vegetables.

~~M-J de Mesterton