Black radish resurgence: A hidden gem in your kitchen

We often think of it as a cosmetic ingredient rather than a salad staple. Over time, we've forgotten about this vegetable, but it’s making a comeback and even becoming trendy. It has an interesting taste and many health benefits. Can you guess which vegetable we're talking about?

It’s black radish, also known as black turnip. This vegetable boasts exceptional health properties, though not everyone may be familiar with its taste. It's worth trying this season.

Black radish is one of the oldest cultivated vegetables, valued in ancient times for its unique properties. With its nutritional and medicinal value, black radish is one of the healthiest vegetables to include in your diet. However, its taste takes some getting used to. It is quite intense because radish contains mustard oil glycosides, which are sulfur compounds. It’s a close cousin of the popular radish but much hotter.

Black radish is a real vitamin and mineral bomb. It contains many valuable nutrients that contribute to improving health and well-being. Among its ingredients, you can find vitamin C, B vitamins, and minerals such as potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium.

Black radish contains Vitamin C, which acts as an antioxidant, supports the immune system, and helps fight free radicals. Meanwhile, the fibre content improves digestion and regulates bowel movements, which is essential for the proper functioning of the digestive system.

Some nutrients in black radish, such as glucosinolates, have anti-inflammatory effects and can help the body fight infections. Microelements such as calcium and magnesium support bone and teeth health and positively affect the muscular system's functioning. Vitamins A and E and other antioxidants can help maintain healthy skin and delay aging processes.

Black radish has anti-inflammatory and choleretic effects, facilitating bile production. As a result, fat digestion is more straightforward. It also supports liver function. Sulfur compounds are responsible for the regeneration of this organ.

One of the unique actions of black radish is its effect on the digestive tract. It stimulates the secretion of digestive juices, which can improve the entire digestion process. It is also often used in natural medicine to treat neuralgia and issues with the spinal roots.

Thanks to its fibre content, black radish improves metabolism and can help combat constipation. It also has a cleansing effect on the body, eliminating toxins, which impacts general health.

Black radish can be used in many ways in the kitchen. It can be eaten raw as a spicy addition to salads. It’s worth remembering that it tastes best grated and sprinkled with lemon juice, which will soften its intense flavour.

This vegetable can also be cooked, baked, and even pickled. It is often used as an ingredient in soups. Roasted black radish makes a great addition to meats and fish.