Did you, like me, have foods you loathed as a child but grew to like in adulthood? Radishes are one of those foods for me. I hated them as a child and couldn’t understand why anyone would eat them. They were too peppery and were crunchy and I just didn’t like them.
Until that is, I found a recipe suggesting that roasting them might make them more palatable if you aren’t a fan of them in their natural state. I also discovered pickled radishes which are equally delicious.
So when we were on holiday in France, where you can buy bunches of radishes with the dirt and leaves still on them, in season, I decided to give them a try.
Radishes are actually nutritious and versatile vegetable that offer a range of health benefits. These crunchy root vegetables are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a great addition to a balanced diet. In addition to being a good source of vitamin C, radishes also contain important minerals such as potassium, calcium, and magnesium, which are essential for maintaining healthy bodily functions.
One of the key health benefits of radishes is their ability to support digestion. The fibre content in radishes can help promote regular bowel movements and prevent constipation. This can contribute to better gut health and overall digestive well-being. Additionally, radishes are known for their natural diuretic properties, which can help to flush out toxins from the body and support kidney function.
Radishes also contain antioxidants such as catechin, which can help protect against cell damage and reduce inflammation in the body. These antioxidants may have anti-cancer properties and can contribute to overall immune system health.
Their high water content in radishes can help keep you hydrated and support overall hydration levels in the body. This is important for various bodily functions, including regulating body temperature and supporting skin health.
I must admit I had no idea cooking them was an option but figured we would give it a go.
I use about 20 radishes. The larger they are the less “spicy” they are, I find, but smaller has more flavour. I wash them, dry them, and chop the ends off.
Take some good olive oil, and salt, and use enough to cover the radishes all over.
Then simply tip them into a baking dish, make sure they are spread evenly and pop them into a preheated oven at 180 degrees (adjust for fan if needed) and bake for 20-25 minutes.
They will come out baked with a golden tinge to them. Baking makes them softer, and sweeter and they go well with any meal as a side dish, or in salads. Or as I prefer them, with some good butter and crusty bread, which seems simple but actually works really well.
So, if like me, you aren’t a fan of radishes, then why not try them this way? Maybe you’ll change your mind. I certainly did.
Did you know you can also bake lettuce? The only way I will eat lettuce not in a salad.