What Do I Do With These Things?

[so lucky]

I can't remember now exactly why I thought it would be a good idea to plant some winter radishes along the row with the carrots, but that's what I did. Maybe something to do with keeping the soil loose?? Anyway, the China Rose radishes have grown like crazy; are already 1.5" across and 2.5" long. As I thin them to make room for the carrots, I thought we could eat them. I had heard that winter radishes were mild and sweet. WRONG!!! Hot and potent. Too hot for me, who is not a radish lover anyway. So, anybody got any ideas of what to do with them? Bake them? Use for fish bait? Dehydrate and use for Christmas decorations?

 

[Greenthumb18]

Here's an idea, You can roast the radishes. They will lose some of their color, but as they cook the heat will concentrate the radishes natural sugars and they wont taste spicy or "hot" anymore. For people who normally don't care for radishes will generally want to try the roasted radishes. So they basically turn sweet once you cook them, seems like a great idea to have radishes that aren't so spicy.

You can roast radishes on the grill or in the oven.

Hope this helps some!

 

[lesa]

You might try braised radishes. I have had them, and they are quite delicious. Sorry I don't have a recipe, but I am sure you can find one. I am not sure if they would still be too hot- but it might be worth a try. I planted eggplant to catch flea beetles- certainly didn't expect them to live. I am not very fond of them, but we had eggplant for dinner tonight. I figure if I grew it, I have to eat it. (Must say it was really good!) Good luck, let us know what you do with them...

 

[897tgigvib]

I am not sure why, but it wasn't until the past few years that my winter radishes only have a little heat. One of our campers says that their very same variety was ready much earlier, but was very hot. Watermelon Radish. Mine are only now getting big enough and only have a bit of spiciness.

I think it's the seed company's version of the variety, along with timing the planting just right...July for me, using calcium in the form of lots of diatomaceous earth, and fresh almost pure composty soil that kelp was added to, and immediately after pulling the finished peas.

I did put in a few china rose seeds at another spot in August but I think that will turn out too late.

hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm what to do with hot spicy radishes???

Try cooking them like turnips?
Serve them thin sliced during a football game with lots of ranch dip?
Photographic still lifes?
Fetch for a dog that likes to eat the fetch sticks? <<<kidding there!
I like the ornaments idea!

 

[897tgigvib]

I'm liking GreenThumb's idea of roasted radishes!

Can they be fried like chips for the ball game?

 

[Greenthumb18]

I'm liking GreenThumb's idea of roasted radishes!

Can they be fried like chips for the ball game?

Thank you marshall !!
Hmmmm.... I must give those radish chips a thought, they sound interesting!

 

[so lucky]

Some good ideas here. The deep fried (or baked) chips sounds good. And I do believe I read that someone else had roasted them. Hmmm. Does anybody do anything with the greens? They are really prickly. I am gonna have to use gloves to pull them if they get much worse! (Wimpy me)

 

[digitS']

I have stir-fried the whole plant.

The hairy-leafed varieties are supposed to be just fine like that. However, I was quite happy to find a smooth-leaf radish. That was the one I first tried stir-fried and I've never gotten around to using a different variety.

There are more of these smooth-leaf radishes just becoming useful in the garden right now. Most won't be cooked but that is an option.

Steve

 

[OldGuy43]

I like hot radishes. You could send them to me.

 

[journey11]

Here is a recipe for one of my favorite veggie sides and a good way to use up lots of produce from the garden.... Radishes really make this yummy.

Combine any combination of your favorite veggies, cut into bite size cubes (potatoes, carrots, onion, radishes, celery, broccoli, summer squash, zucchini, parsnips, turnips, you-name-it). Top with a pat or two of butter, sprinkle lightly with your favorite cajun seasoning (or if you don't like it spicy, use salt/pepper, or favorite herbs).

For a small serving, put your veggies into a tightly folded foil packet (use 2 or 3 layers). Can be done on the grill (indirect heat) or in the oven at 350 degrees. For multiple servings, you can also use a glass baking dish and cover very tightly with foil (you don't want the steam to escape). Bake/grill for approx. 45 minutes.

It's really simple and quick, but boy does it hit the spot!