Horseradish is a winter-hardy plant that not only adds intense flavor to meals but also offers notable health benefits. Beyond its culinary uses, horseradish has long been valued for its medicinal properties, including potent antibacterial and antifungal effects. It’s also effective for soothing cold symptoms, providing relief when added to dishes.
Harvesting Horseradish
In my garden, horseradish is the only crop I harvest during winter. After the soil has thawed but before it freezes again, I dig up a few crowns and pull several roots. After a quick scrub under cool running water, I store them in the refrigerator where they keep fresh for months. Alternatively, you can harvest them as needed during cooler weather. A helpful tip shared by a reader is to remember you can harvest horseradish in any month with an “R” in it—from September to April—making it easy to track.
When harvesting, it’s best to take as much as you can find. In addition to the root buds that remain in the soil, the growing tips can be replanted or shared with fellow gardeners. Horseradish’s roots are full of latent buds that make it a persistent plant, so it’s important to carefully choose where you plant it. Though horseradish is vigorous, it’s not invasive because it doesn’t spread uncontrollably by seeds. To keep it contained, regular cultivation or mowing around the plant will help.
Horseradish Flowers
Another delightful surprise is horseradish flowers, which are edible and have a mild, floral version of horseradish flavor. Not all plants bloom, but those that do produce lovely white flowers that pair wonderfully with grilled fish.
Growing Horseradish in Containers
For gardeners with limited space or those looking to protect their plants from animals like deer, growing horseradish in containers is a great option. Large containers, like half-barrels or black plastic nursery pots, work well for horseradish cultivation. Many gardeners have successfully grown horseradish this way, even in areas where other plants might be at risk of being eaten.
Horseradish-Based Condiments
Horseradish is often associated with wasabi, the hot green paste served with sushi. While authentic wasabi comes from Wasabi japonica, horseradish is frequently used as a substitute outside Japan. You can make your own wasabi-like condiments by blending fresh horseradish with mustard powder and green food coloring. This is a great way to recreate the wasabi experience at home.
Horseradish also shines in mayonnaise-based sauces. Simply grate fresh horseradish into your favorite mayonnaise for a tangy kick, or try a sour cream-based recipe shared by a commenter: blend 1 finger-sized horseradish root (peeled and chopped), 4 tablespoons of white vinegar, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 2 tablespoons of sour cream.
Cooking with Horseradish
Horseradish can be used beyond condiments. When cooked, it softens and takes on a sweet flavor, making it an excellent addition to winter meals. For a tasty dish, try roasting horseradish root with other root vegetables in olive oil. The horseradish retains a hint of pungency while becoming slightly sweet, adding a delicious contrast to the other vegetables.
Conclusion
Whether you’re using horseradish as a condiment, in medicinal remedies, or as a vegetable, this hardy root is a versatile and rewarding plant to grow. Its robust flavor and health benefits make it a valuable addition to your garden and kitchen, particularly in the cold winter months.